The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has significantly shifted immigration policies affecting several nations, including Cuba.
On Friday, DHS confirmed the complete termination of the Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs, notably affecting the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP). This mechanism, established in 2007, had facilitated expedited entry for thousands of Cubans into the United States while they awaited their residency status.
Current Status for Cubans in the U.S.
While family petitions remain intact—allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents to continue sponsoring relatives—the parole that enabled travel without prolonged waits in Cuba has been rescinded. This leaves those already in the U.S. under this benefit in a precarious position.
Upcoming Changes Explained by USCIS
According to an official statement by USCIS, all parole permissions granted under the FRP will be invalidated on January 14, 2026, except in one specific instance:
The parole will remain valid for individuals who file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) before December 15, 2025. The document further clarifies:
If the I-485 is pending by January 14, 2026, the parole is extended until the original period expires or a final residency decision is made. If the application is denied, the parole is immediately revoked, requiring the individual to "depart the United States."
For those without a pending I-485, the outcome is clear: They will automatically lose their status and employment authorization on January 14, 2026.
DHS will send individual notices to each beneficiary, informing them of the termination of their parole and work permit. The government’s message is unmistakable: those left without legal standing must exit the country.
Encouraging Voluntary Departure
USCIS has initiated measures to encourage self-deportation for those who do not meet the new requirements. On its official social media account, it detailed that individuals choosing to leave before losing status could receive incentives, including financial assistance, help obtaining travel documents, and waivers of civil fines, provided they report their departure using the CBP Home app.
"Affected foreigners should use CBP Home to report their departure from the United States," the statement reads.
Impact and Justification of the Policy Change
The DHS defends this closure by citing "abuse" of humanitarian parole and inadequate background checks, which, according to Washington, posed “unacceptable risks” to national security. It further elaborated that permits will be canceled on January 14, 2026, and will only remain valid beyond that date if an I-485 is submitted on or before December 15, 2025. Employment authorization will also be revoked once the parole concludes.
Emphasizing that family reunification does not outweigh security concerns, the DHS insists that immigration policy will revert to a "case-by-case" basis.
Advice for Affected Cuban Nationals
Reporter Wilfredo Cancio Isla described the measure as "a painful blow" for Cubans, noting that the CFRP program—initiated in 2007 by George W. Bush—was pivotal in accelerating family reunification for nearly two decades. He recalled that the program was stalled from 2016 and gradually reactivated in 2022 under the Biden administration.
"With Trump’s return to the White House, interview appointments and case approvals at the U.S. embassy in Havana became stagnant again," until its complete termination this past Friday.
The message from USCIS is clear:
If you have family reunification parole, seek legal counsel immediately. Submitting Form I-485 before December 15, 2025, is the only way to retain your status and work permit. Those failing to do so must leave the country before January 14, 2026.
Background on the Decision
The DHS had previously hinted at eliminating the FRP due to alleged security gaps and misuse of the parole, which was never intended for mass use. In its initial announcement, it emphasized restoring the principle of "America First" and strengthening immigration controls.
This suspension impacts Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, along with their immediate family members. While the cancellation of the CFRP does not affect the ability to file family petitions, it does dismantle the mechanism that allowed thousands of Cubans to avoid prolonged waits on the island and reunite with their families temporarily while their residency advanced.
For many beneficiaries, the clock is ticking. December 15, 2025, is now the deadline that will determine whether they can continue living in the United States... or if they must leave.
FAQs on Changes to Cuban Family Reunification Program
What happens to Cubans in the U.S. under the CFRP?
Cubans under the CFRP must file Form I-485 by December 15, 2025, to maintain their status. Failure to do so will result in automatic loss of status and employment authorization by January 14, 2026.
What are the incentives for voluntary departure?
Incentives include financial assistance, help with obtaining travel documents, and waivers of civil fines, provided individuals report their departure using the CBP Home app.