Humanitarian Parole Available for Temporary Emergency Entry into the U.S.

Humanitarian Parole:

Humanitarian parole is an emergency measure, used only in extraordinary circumstances to allow someone who otherwise would not be admissible to the United States to enter the U.S. due to urgent circumstances or a compelling emergency. The measure grants temporary admission for the duration of the emergency.

USCIS may grant the humanitarian parole to anyone applying for admission into the U.S. based on urgent humanitarian reasons, or if there is a significant public benefit, for the length of the emergency or humanitarian situation. For example, USCIS may grant the parole if the person needs life-saving medical treatment in the U.S., if the person needs to visit a dying relative in the U.S., or if the person needs to travel to the U.S. to escape a pending threat. The parole, however, will only be valid for the duration of the emergency; for example, the length of time necessary for the medical treatment.

Thus, it is important to understand that humanitarian parole is not a path to immigration, and it cannot be used to circumvent normal visa processes and timelines. Parolees are not authorized to work in the United States and must depart the U.S. on or before the expiration of parole as indicated on Form I-94, though once granted, the parolee may request an extension from within the United States. The parole is not an immigration benefit and will be granted only at the discretion of USCIS.

How to Request Humanitarian Parole:

Requests for initial humanitarian parole can only be accepted for individuals who are currently outside the United States. The request may be made by any interested party, such as the prospective parolee, a sponsoring relative, or an attorney. To apply for humanitarian parole, the following forms and supporting documentation must be submitted:

-Form I-131 Application for Travel Document with the appropriate fee;

– Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and supporting documentation according to the filing instructions on the USCIS website.

– If filed by an attorney, a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative for each application.

Supporting documentation should include the following:

-A detailed explanation as to why the person is applying for humanitarian parole and evidence of the applicant’s circumstances.

– Evidence demonstrating the length of time that the individual needs to be in the U.S. (Note: Humanitarian parole is typically limited to one year).

– An explanation as to why the applicant cannot obtain a visa including:

– When and where the person applied for a visa; and

-If refused, a copy of the refusal letter.

-For requests arising from medical reasons, the application should include evidence from a medical doctor stating the diagnosis, prognosis, and the reasons why the applicant cannot obtain treatment in his or her home or a neighboring country, as well as the expected duration of treatment, and the cost of treatment. The applicant should also include evidence of the ability to pay for treatment and evidence that he or she can then afford to return to his/her home country.

Once all documents are received, the typically processing time is 90 to120 days, however, expedited processing may be requested. Examples of circumstances that may warrant expedited processing include:

– Medical emergency, generally involving life and death, where the person seeking parole needs to enter the U.S. immediately;

– Person seeking parole needs to attend a civil court hearing that requires his/her presence in the U.S. within the next 15 days; or

– Other urgent situation that requires immediate action.

How We Can Help:

If you believe you are inadmissible to the United States but need to enter the country due to an urgent or compelling emergency, we may be able to help. Humanitarian parole is not easy to obtain, and the application must have a thoroughly detailed explanation of the situation. We can analyze your circumstances, help gather the necessary supporting documents, and prepare a persuasive application detailing your need for humanitarian parole. Please contact us if you would like to apply for humanitarian parole.

Please call us (415) 643 4342 for any questions.