The Cuban-Haitian Entrant Program (CHEP) was established to provide eligible Cubans and Haitians with certain benefits and services. CHEP is a federal program administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Cuban and Haitian entrants are defined as:
A. Any individual granted parole status by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a Cuban/Haitian
Entrant (Status Pending) or granted any other special status subsequently established under the
immigration laws for nationals of Cuba or Haiti, regardless of the status of the individual at the time
assistance or services are provided, and

B. Any other national of Cuba or Haiti
1. Who:(i) was paroled into the United States and has not acquired any other status under the
INA;(ii) is the subject of exclusion or deportation proceedings under the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA); or (iii) has an application for asylum pending with DHS; and
2. With respect to whom a final, non-appealable, and legally enforceable order of deportation or
exclusion has not been entered [45 CFR § 401.2]. Cuban and Haitian Entrants, along with Cubans
in certain other categories, are eligible to apply for adjustment of status after one year in the U.S.

In order to be eligible for services or benefits under CHEP, an individual must meet the definition of a Cuban/Haitian entrant under Title V of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980. A Cuban and Haitian entrant is defined as:

• Any individual granted parole status as a Cuban/Haitian entrant or granted any other special status subsequently established under the immigration laws for nationals of Cuba or Haiti, regardless of the status of the individual at the time assistance or services are provided; and
• Any other national of Cuba or Haiti who is not subject to a final, non-appealable and legally enforceable removal order and who meets the following criteria:
  •  is in removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act; or
  • has an application for asylum pending with USCIS.

Cuban and Haitian entrants are eligible to apply for benefits and services from HHS from the date they first enter into Cuban/Haitian Entrant status. For parolees, this is the date they are granted parole or the first parole if more than one parole has been granted. Services under the USCIS’s cooperative agreements with USCCB and CWS may be provided after USCIS assigns a Cuban or Haitian entrant to one of those organizations.

Cubans and Haitians who are in removal proceedings are not eligible for CHEP benefits.

The best way to check the status of this program is by contacting one of our team below. 

Under the CHEP program, Cuban and Haitian entrants may be assisted in obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing; essential furnishings; food or a food allowance; necessary clothing; and other basic necessities, as appropriate. In addition, individuals are provided:

• Employment orientation, including the importance of self-sufficiency in American society, the local job market, and job counseling and training programs available in the local community;
• Referral to community job counseling, placement, and/or training programs;
• Referral to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes/programs available in the community;
• Assistance in applying for Social Security cards;
• Assistance in registering children for school;
• Assistance with immigration-related issues;
• Community orientation concerning public services and facilities; personal and public safety; public transportation; standards of personal and public hygiene; their eligibility of publicly supported refugee services; procedures for renewing pertinent DHS documents; available health care services/resources; and availability of free legal services.

Cuban and Haitian entrants with family or sponsors in the United States are given 30 days of orientation and referral services. Entrants with no family or sponsors in the United States are given up to 180 days of services.
For more information on these benefits, please contact:

• Church World Service, 1.800.297.1516  or
• The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, 202-541-3000.

Other CHEP Benefits Administered by ORR

In general, individuals are referred to health assessment and screening services available through state, local, or private health programs within the first 30 days of arrival in the United States. Additionally, ORR provides cash assistance, medical assistance, job training/placement, ESL and other social services for eligible Cuban or Haitian entrants through state grant programs.

For more information on these benefits, as well as information regarding Cuban Haitian unaccompanied minors, please visit the ACF/ORR website or the ACF/ORR Repatriation Services page on the ACF website.

To learn more about benefits, please follow this link.

You should bring proof of your eligibility as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant and the date you received it. Types of proof include: 1) an I-94 (DHS Arrival/Departure Record) noting parole; 2) a DHS form indicating a Notice to Appear, Order of Release on Recognizance, or other removal proceedings form; 3) a form from an immigration judge showing an application for asylum; 4) an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with selected codes; or 5) other documentation issued by the federal government indicating that you are eligible. This list does not include all types of documentation or specific information on your documentation that may prove your eligibility as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant. For a complete list go to: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/ files/documents/orr/orr_fact_sheet_ cuban_haitian_entrant.pdf (PDF).

• Integration– JFS staff and volunteers provide cultural orientation and teach clients how to access and use public services.
  • Public transportation
  • Emergency services
  • School enrollment
  • Obtaining identification like a driver’s license
• Health– JFS will guide clients through required medical screenings and vaccinations.
• Emotional and mental wellness– JFS can provide emotional and mental wellness services. Community activities and educational workshops are offered to foster connections.
• Social Services– JFS provides assistance in helping newcomers apply for low-cost housing, enrollment or training programs, medical and legal needs, and researching additional services as needed.