Department of Homeland Security Restarts Advance Travel Authorization for Humanitarian Parole Program
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will restart the issuance of Advance Travel Authorizations (ATAs) for the Humanitarian Parole Program to Haiti, which was temporarily suspended several weeks earlier due to fraud concerns.
Beneficiaries of the Program
In addition to Haitian nationals, the program will also benefit individuals from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who apply to come to the United States with the help of a sponsor.
Pausing the Program
The program was paused in July after an internal report found that more than 100,000 applicants for the program were supported by just over 3,200 US-based sponsors and described as “serial sponsors”.
Internal Review and Findings
The review found that those applications were red-flagged for potential fraud amid concerns that the large numbers of migrants sponsored by just a few individuals could point to human trafficking. The review also found “a very small number of supporters were found to have fraud or criminal issues warranting referral to law enforcement”.
Safeguards Implemented
As part of an internal review, DHS has implemented updated safeguards to the processes. Applicants have been told that they should continue to monitor their myUSCIS account for updated information regarding their ATAs. Individuals with a valid, unexpired ATA are permitted to travel.
Fraud and Accountability
“DHS is committed to holding accountable those who commit fraud or attempt to exploit others for financial gain. Anyone found to have committed fraud or other abuse will be referred to law enforcement for possible prosecution,” a department spokesperson said.
Sponsors must now show they can financially support the number of immigrants they are sponsoring and “serial filers who do not meet these qualifications or otherwise appear to be exploiting or abusing the process will be non-confirmed”.
The DHS spokesperson said that all migrants who have been admitted to the US under the program so far have been thoroughly screened and vetted, and that DHS has not identified issues of concern relating to the screening and vetting of program beneficiaries.
The restarting of the Advance Travel Authorization program is a positive step towards providing relief to individuals in need. However, the Department of Homeland Security is committed to ensuring that the program is free from fraud and abuse.
Q: Who is eligible for the Advance Travel Authorization program?
A: Haitian nationals and individuals from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who apply to come to the United States with the help of a sponsor.
Q: Why was the program paused?
A: The program was paused due to fraud concerns and the finding of “serial sponsors” who were supporting a large number of applicants.
Q: What safeguards have been implemented?
A: The Department of Homeland Security has implemented updated safeguards to the processes, including requirements for sponsors to show they can financially support the number of immigrants they are sponsoring and increased vetting and screening.
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