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USCIS Fact Sheet for Humanitarian Parole for Certain Haitian Orphans

By immigrationprof

Eligibility for Humanitarian Parole

Category 1

Children who have been legally confirmed as orphans eligible for intercountry adoption by the Government of Haiti, were in the process of being adopted by Americans prior to Jan. 12, 2010 and meet the below criteria.

Required Criteria

  • Evidence of availability for adoption, which MUST include at least one of the following:
    • Full and final Haitian adoption decree
    • Government of Haiti Custody grant to prospective adoptive parents for emigration and adoption
    • Secondary evidence in lieu of the above.
  • Evidence of suitability for adoption, which MUST include at least one of the following:
    • Notice of Approval of Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
    • Current FBI Fingerprints and background security check clearances
    • Physical custody in Haiti plus a security background check

    • Category 2

    Children who have been identified by an adoption service provider or facilitator as eligible for intercountry adoption, were matched to prospective American adoptive parents prior to Jan. 12, 2010 and meet the below criteria.

    Required Criteria

    • Significant evidence of a relationship between the prospective adoptive parents and the child AND of the parents’ intention to complete the adoption, which could include the following:
      • Proof of travel by the prospective adoptive parents to Haiti to visit the child
      • Photos of the child and prospective adoptive parents together
      • An Adoption Service Provider “Acceptance of Referral” letter signed by the prospective adoptive parents
      • Documentary evidence that the prospective adoptive parents initiated the adoption process prior to Jan. 12, 2010 with intent to adopt the child (filed Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, and/or Form I-600, Petition to Classify an Orphan as an Immediate Relative, completed a home study, located an ASP to work with in Haiti, etc.)
  • Evidence of the child’s availability for adoption, which could the following: 
    • IBESR (Haitian Adoption Authority) approval 
    • Documentation of legal relinquishment or award of custody to the Haitian orphanage
    • Secondary evidence in lieu of the above
  • Evidence of suitability for adoption, which MUST include at least one of the following:
    • Notice of Approval of Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition; OR
    • Current FBI Fingerprints and background security check clearances

    • Click here for the full fact sheet.

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