The Biden administration has restarted a program allowing up to 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally enter the United States through a U.S.-based sponsor. The program was previously suspended in June after a review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uncovered potential fraud by sponsors. The investigation revealed some sponsors were profiting from the applications, providing fake addresses, and using Social Security numbers of deceased individuals. These sponsors, referred to as “serial sponsors,” were found submitting applications for multiple individuals, often more than 20.
In response to these findings, DHS has introduced stricter measures to prevent fraud and abuse. These include enhanced scrutiny of sponsors’ financial records and criminal backgrounds, as well as mandatory fingerprinting. The department emphasized that these new procedures will strengthen the integrity of the program and protect against the exploitation of migrants. A DHS statement also highlighted the commitment to holding accountable those who attempt to commit fraud or exploit others for personal gain.
Since its inception for Venezuelans in 2022, and subsequent expansion to include Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua in early 2023, over 500,000 migrants have been approved for travel to the United States under this initiative. The program, which operates under an immigration authority known as “parole,” allows migrants who do not qualify for a visa to enter the U.S. legally. The Biden administration views this program as an essential tool to provide a lawful pathway for migrants, thereby reducing the need to resort to smugglers and dangerous border crossings. Indeed, DHS data indicates that illegal crossings by migrants from these four countries have dropped by 98% since December 2022.
Migrants approved under this program are allowed to enter the U.S. through commercial flights, although they must cover their travel costs. Once in the United States, they are granted permission to stay and work for up to two years, during which they can apply for asylum or pursue other residency options. Despite the program’s success in curbing illegal crossings, it has faced legal challenges. Republican officials from 21 states sued the Biden administration in 2023, arguing that the program imposed financial burdens on the states. However, a federal judge in Texas dismissed the lawsuit in March, noting the program’s effectiveness in reducing illegal crossings. The decision is currently under appeal.
The DHS investigation into the program’s initial suspension found that around 100,000 applications might be linked to serial sponsors, with over 900 sponsors using the Social Security numbers of deceased individuals. Most of the suspected fraud cases had reasonable explanations, but DHS remains vigilant, continuing to review applications and referring any violations for potential criminal investigation. DHS clarified that the concerns leading to the program’s suspension were related to the screening of U.S.-based sponsors, not the migrants themselves, who undergo rigorous vetting.