Welcome Connect, a platform that allows humanitarian parole recipients to create a profile and connect directly with potential sponsors in the U.S., will reopen for registration tomorrow, February 20.
The platform has proven to be a crucial place where beneficiaries can find someone in the United States to become their sponsor and potential sponsors can connect with newcomers seeking refuge.
As reported through its official channels, more than 15,000 sponsors have supported more than 7,000 refugees entering communities across the United States in one year.
However, it is important to point out that the Cubans have not had much luck with the site. From Welcome US they have claimed that they do not have enough sponsors for the current demand.
What should you know about registering with Welcome Connect, the sponsor search platform?
Registration for Welcome Connect is ongoing, but limited and timed.
The registration page opens for beneficiary registration on the third Tuesday of each month. Once the enrollment limit for a program is reached, enrollment will be suspended again until the following month. February 20th, March 19th and April 16th are the most immediate opening dates for Welcome Connect.
Please note that once the enrollment threshold for a program is reached, enrollment will be suspended again until the following month. Be sure to check this page on any given day of the month to sign up for Welcome Connect.
When does Welcome Connect open?
Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which means:
- If you are in Nicaragua, registration begins at 9:00 a.m. (Central Standard Time).
- If you are in Haiti or Cuba, registration begins at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
- If you are in Venezuela, registration begins at 11:00 a.m. (Atlantic Standard Time).
- If you are in Ukraine, registration begins at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern European Time).
On the platform, beneficiaries create a profile with basic information about themselves. Once the profile is complete, they can view potential sponsors and select up to 7 to message them. A sponsor cannot see a beneficiary's profile until the beneficiary has sent them a message.
Welcome Connect is still looking for sponsors. “Sponsorship is one of the few safe ways for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Ukrainians and Venezuelans to find refuge in the United States,” they point out from X.
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