UPDATES ON CURRENT STATUS OF CAM PROGRAM

The Central American Minors (CAM) Refugee & Parole Program

In January 2025, President Trump issued an order indefinitely pausing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The CAM Program is part of USRAP, so it was also paused by this order. This means all new applications, interviews, decisions, and travel were paused because of this order. In addition, the government paused some funding to organizations in the United States that provided assistance and services to people who entered through the CAM Program.

IRAP is suing the U.S. government over this pause. Because of IRAP’s lawsuit, CAM refugee cases that were conditionally approved by January 20, 2025 should continue processing including travel to the United States. You can find the latest updates for how this lawsuit is affecting cases here.

CAM Re-Parole

While you may have heard of widespread changes made to parole programs by the Trump administration, the government has not announced any specific changes to re-parole applications for CAM parolees. At this time, the government is still accepting and deciding CAM re-parole applications on a case-by-case basis – but reports indicate that re-parole applications are unlikely to be successful at this time. In addition, the government has tried to end many other parole programs, and they could try to end CAM parole and re-parole at any time. If you are in the United States and denied re-parole, you could be put in removal proceedings unless you have received some other legal way to stay in the United States. 

CAM Hotline

Due to changes in U.S. policies, the CAM Hotline operated by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is indefinitely out of service as of February 12, 2025. If you contacted the CAM Hotline and did not receive a callback before this date, unfortunately, no one will return your call.

The information below was accurate prior to January 2025. It may no longer be relevant while the CAM Program is paused.

Summary

If you applied to the CAM program, you may have had to pay about $400 for each of your children to take a DNA test. A DNA test shows the relationship between the parent and the child. The government was supposed to give you back the money if the DNA test proves that you are the parent of the child.

If the government did not give you back the money, you may be able to apply for a refund. A refund is the process of getting money back.

This process changes periodically; please check back regularly for updates. 

Can I get a refund for CAM DNA testing?

You can get a refund if you:

1. Applied to the CAM program
2. You and your child or children took the DNA test
3. The DNA test showed that you are the parent
4. The government did not give you back the DNA payment or you were unable to cash or deposit the money that the government gave you.

You can still get a refund even if you did not receive a decision on your CAM application or your application was denied.

How do I get my refund?

You have two options:

1. Contact the resettlement agency that helped you submit your CAM application. See this website for an updated list of resettlement agencies in your area. Click the most up-to-date “R&P Affiliate Directory.”
2. Contact the government directly by email to Sumitra Siram, SiramS@state.gov. The government says it will use your information only for checking whether you should get your DNA payment back. 

The email should include:

• Full name of parent in the U.S. and the current mailing address
• Full name and date of birth of each child who took the DNA test
• If available, CAM application number (e.g., ES-12345678). If you need help finding your CAM number, watch this video starting at 4:56.
• If available, copy of the receipt from the DNA testing facility.

Here is a sample email:

Email subject line: CAM DNA Testing Refund

Email body: 

Dear Ms. Siram,

I applied to the CAM program and I was not paid back for DNA fees. I am requesting a refund.

Here is my information:

1. My name: [your first, middle, and last names]
2. My current mailing address: [your current mailing address]
3. My children on the CAM application:
   1. Name [child’s first, middle, and last names]
   2. Date of birth [child’s date of birth]
   3. CAM case number [if available]

[repeat for each child who completed DNA testing]

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

What happens after I request my money back?

You should receive a check from the government to the mailing address you provided. Cash it as soon as possible because checks are only good for 6 months. If you are unable to cash the check within the 6 months, you can re-request a new check.

Where can I find more information?

The government’s fact sheet is here. For a version of these documents translated in Spanish by the CAM Hotline, see here.