How can I reunite with my family through the Central American Minors (CAM) parole and refugee program?

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.

This article outlines IRAP’s resources about the CAM program. Please click on the website below that describes your situation. 

• I applied for the CAM program before August 2017 and:
  • My case was re-opened before March 2021 because of the court settlement.
  • My case was re-opened after March 2021, or my case was closed but I want to re-open it.
  • I paid for DNA testing and never got my money back
• I am in the United States now with CAM parole status or my status expired.