When my dads family came to the US as refugees in 1959 they had to have a sponsor before they could be approved refugee status.
Why is it now the government providing cost of living to immigrants? Legal or illegal the government has never dolled hand outs to people wanting to come here. Why the change?
The whole purpose of the former structure was to promote independence. Govt wouldn't let you in if you didn't have a sponsor, work, and pass the test.
"DHS has announced processes through which nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and their immediate family members, may request to come to the United States in a safe and orderly way. Qualified beneficiaries who are outside the United States and lack U.S. entry documents may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for advanced authorization to travel and a temporary period of parole for up to two years for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. To participate, eligible beneficiaries must:
Have a supporter in the United States;
Undergo and clear robust security vetting;
Meet other eligibility criteria; and
Warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.
Individuals participating in these processes must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their parole in the United States. The first step in the process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS for each beneficiary they seek to support, including minor children. The U.S. government will then review the supporter information provided in the Form I-134A to ensure that they are able to financially support the beneficiaries they are agreeing to support."
Source: U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service
That seems to be the case for parole. Subject to abuse