The Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), effective June 22, 1998, was passed by Congress in an attempt to repair the harsh standards of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA).

NACARA allows for Nicaraguans and Cubans who entered the United States prior to December 1, 1995 to adjust their status to permanent residence. Further, it permit individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala, and nationals of certain Eastern European and former Soviet Bloc countries to apply for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal under the requirements for suspension of deportation that were in effect before the passage of IIRIRA.