Q: Under the new 2023 immigration law to sponsor a Cuban immigrant, is the sponsor still financially responsible for 10 yrs

A: To be clear, what you are speaking about is not a new law, but a new policy under the Biden administration. A subsequent administration could do away with the program if it so chooses. As to one's financial responsibilities under the program, they are not the same as those under, for example, the affidavit of support (Form I-864) filed with a family-based immigration case. An entirely different form (Form I-134A) is used for the "Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans" program. From what this attorney has read so far, the parole period granted to a beneficiary under the program is 2 years (with extensions possible), and the sponsor must be able to demonstrate "sufficient financial resources to receive, maintain, and support the individual(s) whom they commit to supporting for the duration of their stay in the United States." Presumably, many who come to the United States under this program might go on to acquire some other type of status, e.g., lawful permanent resident status through other means, and depending on what status he or she may acquire, I can imagine some scenarios where arguably the original sponsor from the parole program would no longer be bound by the Form I-134A. Consider scheduling a consultation with a competent and experienced immigration attorney who can discuss your concerns in greater detail.

A: The Cuban Reunification Parole Program requires that applicants have a sponsor in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their parole in the United States. The sponsor shall file Form I-134A on behalf of a beneficiary.

The sponsor must be willing and able to receive, maintain, and support the beneficiary listed in Form I-134A for the duration of their parole (for up to 2 years). Examples of the types of support for beneficiaries that supporters should keep in mind include:

1. Receiving the beneficiary upon arrival in the United States and transporting them to initial housing;

2. ensuring that the beneficiary has safe and appropriate housing for the duration of their parole and initial basic necessities;

3. help the beneficiary complete necessary paperwork such as for employment authorization, for a Social Security card, and for services for which they may be eligible;

4. ensuring that the beneficiary’s health care and medical needs are met for the duration of the parole; and

5. assist the beneficiary with accessing education, learning English, securing employment, and enrolling children in school.

I hope this helps with your decision to be a sponsor under the Cuban Parole Program.