Central American Minors (CAM) Refugee/Parole Program

On December 1, 2014, the Obama administration launched the Central American Minors (CAM) Refugee/Parole Program. The program allows certain parents who are legally present in the United States to apply for refugee status for their children currently living in El Salvador, Guatemala or Honduras. Children who don’t meet the definition of a refugee, but are still at risk of harm may be eligible to travel to the United States under humanitarian parole.  In some cases, the in-country parent or children of the qualifying child may also have access.

Eligibility for Child in El Salvador, Guatemala or Honduras:

• Must be the biological, step, or legally adopted child of the qualifying parent;
• Unmarried;
• Under the age of 21;
• A national of El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras; and
• Residing in his or her country of nationality.

Eligibility for In-Country Family Members:

• Unmarried children of the qualifying child who are under the age of 21 can be included as derivatives; and
• Parent of the qualifying child if he/she is legally married to the qualifying parent.

Eligibility for Qualifying Parent:

• At least 18 years old and lawfully present in the U.S. in one of the following categories:
  • Permanent Resident Status, Temporary Protected Status, Parolee, Deferred Action, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Withholding of Removal.

For further details, please contact The Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C.