Key Takeaways
• On June 9, 2025, USCIS resumed processing pending humanitarian parole applications after a federal court order.
• New U4U applications and sponsorships remain on hold pending government review of the program.
• Applicants who filed before January 2025 pause can now seek re-parole, work permits, and other benefits.
On June 9, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it would resume processing immigration applications for people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole programs, including the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) initiative. This move came after a federal District Court in Massachusetts ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lift a pause that had stopped these applications from moving forward. While this is a major change for many Ukrainian and other humanitarian parolees already in the country, new applications for the U4U program and new sponsorship requests remain on hold as the government continues to review the program.
This development affects thousands of people who have been waiting for months to have their cases reviewed. It also raises important questions about the future of humanitarian parole programs and what comes next for those hoping to come to the United States 🇺🇸 through these pathways.
What Changed and Why?
The main change is that USCIS officers are now allowed to process all pending immigration applications from people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole, including those who arrived through Uniting for Ukraine. This means that if you already applied for things like re-parole (permission to stay longer), work permits, or other immigration benefits, your application will now move forward.
This change happened because of a federal court order on May 28, 2025. The court told DHS to stop the pause and start processing these applications again. The pause had been in place since January 2025, after an executive order from President Biden directed the government to review humanitarian parole programs and temporarily stop accepting new applications for some of them, including U4U.
However, it’s important to know that new applications for the U4U program and new sponsorship requests are still not being accepted. Only people who already filed their applications before the pause can benefit from this change right now.
Who Is Affected by the Change?
This policy shift mainly affects:
- Ukrainians and others who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole programs and already filed applications for re-parole, work permits, or other benefits.
- Sponsors who filed applications to support parolees before the January 2025 pause.
- People waiting for new U4U sponsorships or hoping to apply for humanitarian parole—these groups are still on hold and cannot submit new applications at this time.
For those already in the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole, this means they can now move forward with requests to extend their stay, get work authorization, or apply for other immigration benefits. For people outside the country or those hoping to sponsor new arrivals, the situation remains uncertain.
Key Dates and Policy Timeline
To understand how we got here, it helps to look at the timeline of events:
- January 20, 2025: President Biden issues an executive order calling for a review of humanitarian parole programs and pausing new applications for some, including U4U.
- January 27, 2025: USCIS announces it will stop accepting new U4U applications and new sponsorship requests.
- May 28, 2025: A federal District Court in Massachusetts orders DHS to lift the pause on processing pending applications from humanitarian parolees.
- June 9, 2025: USCIS officially resumes processing these pending applications.
This series of events shows how quickly immigration policies can change, especially when courts get involved or when the government decides to review existing programs.
What Is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is a special permission that allows people to enter the United States 🇺🇸 for urgent humanitarian reasons or because it benefits the public. It is not a permanent status, but it can provide temporary relief for people facing danger, war, or other emergencies in their home countries.
The Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program is one example. It was created to help Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine by allowing them to come to the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily if they had a sponsor willing to support them. Other humanitarian parole programs have helped people from countries facing crises, such as Afghanistan and Haiti.
How Does the Application Process Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the process works for people under humanitarian parole programs:
- Application Submission: People who are already in the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole can submit applications for re-parole (to extend their stay), work permits, and other immigration benefits. For example, to apply for a work permit, you would use Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- Additional Vetting: USCIS must complete extra security checks and background reviews before processing these applications. This step helps ensure that only people who meet all requirements can move forward.
- Adjudication: Once vetting is complete, USCIS officers review and decide on each application. If approved, the applicant may receive a new work permit, an extension of their parole, or other benefits.
It’s important to note that new applications for U4U sponsorships or initial parole are still not being accepted. Only people who already filed before the pause can have their cases processed now.
What Forms Are Involved?
Several forms are important for people in these programs:
- Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support: This form is used by people who want to sponsor someone for humanitarian parole, such as through U4U. As of now, USCIS is not accepting new I-134A forms for U4U.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: This form is used to apply for a work permit. You can find the official form here.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: This form is used to request permission to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return. The official form is available here.
Always use the official USCIS website to get the latest forms and instructions.
Why Did the Pause Happen?
The pause on processing and accepting new applications happened because of a January 2025 executive order. The order called for a review of humanitarian parole programs, including U4U, to make sure they were working as intended and to address any concerns about security, fairness, or resources.
During this review, the government decided to stop accepting new applications for some programs and to pause processing of pending applications. This led to frustration and uncertainty for many people, especially those who had already applied and were waiting for answers.
What Did the Court Decide?
On May 28, 2025, the federal District Court in Massachusetts ruled that the government could not keep the pause in place for people who had already filed their applications. The court said that these people deserved to have their cases reviewed and that the government needed to follow the rules for processing applications.
This decision forced DHS and USCIS to lift the pause and start working on the backlog of pending cases. However, the court did not order the government to start accepting new applications for U4U or other programs under review.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole and you filed an application before the pause, your case will now be processed. This includes:
- Re-parole applications: You can ask to extend your stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Work permit applications: You can apply for or renew your work permit, which allows you to work legally.
- Other immigration benefits: Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for other benefits.
If you were hoping to sponsor someone new through U4U or apply for initial parole, you still have to wait until the government finishes its review and decides whether to reopen the program.
What Are the Practical Effects?
The resumption of processing is a relief for many people who have been waiting for months. It means:
- More stability: People can extend their stay and keep working legally.
- Less uncertainty: Families and individuals can make plans for the near future.
- Progress on backlogged cases: USCIS can start reducing the number of pending applications.
However, the continued hold on new U4U applications means that many families remain separated, and people in Ukraine and other crisis areas still face long waits and uncertainty.
What Are the Policy Implications?
This situation highlights several important policy issues:
- Legal challenges: The court’s decision shows that people can challenge government pauses or delays in immigration processing.
- Humanitarian concerns: The ongoing hold on new applications raises questions about the United States 🇺🇸 commitment to helping people fleeing war and crises.
- Policy reviews: The government’s review of humanitarian parole programs could lead to changes in how these programs work in the future.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the current approach reflects a balancing act between national security, resource management, and humanitarian obligations.
What Might Happen Next?
Looking ahead, several things could change:
- Possible reopening of U4U: If the government finishes its review and decides the program is working well, it may start accepting new applications again.
- Further legal action: If the pause on new applications continues, more lawsuits could be filed by people affected by the policy.
- Policy reforms: The review may lead to new rules or changes in how humanitarian parole programs operate.
It’s important for applicants and sponsors to stay informed by checking the USCIS website for updates.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you are affected by these changes, here are some steps you can take:
- Check your application status: If you filed before the pause, monitor your case through your USCIS online account or by contacting USCIS directly.
- Prepare documents: Make sure you have all required documents ready in case USCIS requests more information.
- Stay informed: Watch for updates from USCIS and trusted organizations like Refugees International and Ukraine Task Force.
- Avoid scams: Only use official government websites and forms. Do not pay anyone who promises to speed up your case or get you special treatment.
What Are the Main Takeaways?
- USCIS is now processing pending applications from humanitarian parolees, including those under U4U.
- New U4U applications and sponsorship requests are still on hold.
- The change came after a federal court order and affects people who applied before the January 2025 pause.
- Applicants should use official forms and check the USCIS website for updates.
- The future of humanitarian parole programs, including U4U, depends on ongoing government reviews and possible legal challenges.
Resources for More Information
For the latest updates and official information, visit the USCIS website. You can also find helpful resources and support from organizations like Ukraine Task Force and Refugees International.
If you need to apply for a work permit, use Form I-765. For travel documents, use Form I-131. Always check that you are using the most current version of each form.
Final Thoughts
The lifting of the administrative pause on processing applications for humanitarian parolees is a positive step for many people already in the United States 🇺🇸. It brings hope and stability to those who have been waiting for answers. However, the continued hold on new U4U applications means that many families and individuals still face uncertainty.
As the government reviews these programs and courts continue to weigh in, it’s important for everyone affected to stay informed, follow official guidance, and be prepared for further changes. The story of humanitarian parole and Uniting for Ukraine is still unfolding, and many are watching closely to see what happens next.
Learn Today
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for processing immigration applications and benefits.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary permission to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or public benefit.
Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) → A program allowing Ukrainians to enter the U.S. temporarily with a sponsor’s support.
Re-parole → Application to extend permission for an individual to stay longer under humanitarian parole.
Form I-765 → An official USCIS form used to apply for or renew employment authorization.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS restarted processing pending humanitarian parole applications on June 9, 2025, following a court ruling. This change helps Ukrainians and others extend stays and access work permits. However, new U4U applications and sponsorship requests remain suspended while the government continues reviewing the program’s future amid ongoing uncertainty.
— By VisaVerge.com
