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On January 5th, 2023, the Biden Administration announced enforcement measures for individuals attempting to cross the border unlawfully. Some of these measures include increased security and surging additional resources to address some of the challenges being faced at the Southwest border. These new border enforcement actions include a parole program for which citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela may be eligible. Monthly, up to 30,000 individuals who are citizens of these four countries will be allowed into the United States if they meet the following criteria:

  • An eligible sponsor is capable and willing to be responsible for the individual throughout their entire stay in the country.
  • The individual passes vetting and background checks.

If cleared, the individual will be allowed to remain in the U.S. for two years and receive authorization to work. Note: Individuals crossing the Mexico, Panama, or U.S. border after this announcement will be ineligible for the parole process and may be returned to Mexico, which is accepting up to 30, 000 individuals a month.

Scammers Taking Advantage of Hopeful Applicants

Now that you understand more about the parole program, we want you to know how scammers are taking advantage of applicants who are desperate to go through this process to get into the United States. As stated above, one of the criteria for the program is for an applicant to have a sponsor take care of them for the duration of their stay. Often, these sponsors are family members or very close family friends. While this program is not designed to make a profit off them, deals are being made on social media advertising for sponsorships. Some advertisements even include “package deals” for the type of pick-up and housing arrangement the applicant would like. Most of these deals come with hefty price tags of upwards of thousands of dollars, and the actual reality is that these are generally scams.

Residents from these countries have spoken up about the rise in sponsorship scams. They advise individuals to be cautious of what’s happening and how unfortunate it is that someone would take advantage and make a mockery out of those in need.

Although the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews all applications thoroughly for fraud with intense screening, most scammers target their victims before they have even applied. The USCIS is warning people to be cautious of these scams and to look out for individuals reaching out through social media platforms to be sponsors in exchange for compensation.

If you suspect you are the target of fraud, we encourage you to visit the USCIS Website to report fraud and avoid scams.

Rise in Migrants at the Forefront of This Program

This program was announced as the rise in migrants continues. The Biden Administration has faced struggles with the historic influx of migrants, thus the decision for this new program. Florida is home to the largest communities of Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Haitians. Many families and friends are receiving requests to be sponsors, but only some people meet the strict requirements. Some relatives cannot afford to support their loved ones throughout the sponsorship period, while others do not wish to bear the responsibility. Organizations and businesses can also be sponsors, not only individual people but the same criteria must also be met.

If you are considering being a sponsor or are seeking a sponsor for a family or friend, be sure to avoid these ongoing scams. If you are willing and able to sponsor a loved one, ensure that all steps are taken to avoid being a victim. At Rivera Law, we take immigration matters seriously. You don’t have to do it alone; we can help guide you toward the right path so that your immigration challenges can be met. Please schedule a consultation today by contacting our office at 561-651-9322 or visiting our website now.