The use of Humanitarian Parole permits people who would otherwise not be allowed to enter the United States to come here temporarily in connection with an emergency humanitarian situation or public interest. This parole is given to people in times of emergency, when the family has a crisis, or when they are helping with disaster relief. The humanitarian parole, who can apply, and how you can apply are all pretty straightforward, here’s a brief rundown.
What is Humanitarian Parole?
The Humanitarian Parole is a conditional US government permit that permits someone who would otherwise be prohibited to visit the U.S. on an emergency or urgent basis. Such as going to the doctor, going to a funeral, or going to see a sick relative.
Who Qualifies for Humanitarian Parole?
The U.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines humanitarian parole. Every case is different, but usually ,they assess:
- Is the applicant in a crisis, such as immediate medical needs or a funeral?
- How much harm could the parole applicant be caused if parole is refused?
- Is there an absolute time frame for the applicant’s case?
Humanitarian parole might be extended to citizens working in national disaster relief in related extreme situations.
Special Humanitarian Parole Programs
Some countries have humanitarian parole schemes for their citizens. Here are some examples:
For Ukrainian Nationals
“Uniting for Ukraine” allows Ukrainian citizens and their immediate families to come to the U.S. for two years on humanitarian parole. If they are selected, they will have a sponsor in the United States who will sponsor them.
For Afghan Nationals
The rules are different for Afghan nationals seeking humanitarian parole from within or outside Afghanistan, according to the USCIS.
For Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans
The program works with the victims of violence or extreme poverty in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Persons who qualify can seek travel authorization in U.S. embassies without leaving their country and visit the United States on parole for two years with a U.S. sponsor.
Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program
It brings Cuban families separated by immigration to one another. It speedily allows family members to be brought to the U.S. on humanitarian parole.
How To Apply For Humanitarian Parole
To apply for humanitarian parole, here are the steps:
- Fill In Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): This is the application to get humanitarian parole. Also, be sure to be specific on the reason why you’ll be required to visit the US for just 90 days.
- Filled out Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support): It shows that the candidate is financially sponsored while in the US. Applicants can fill it in themselves or a sponsor does.
- Documents You Might Need to Present: You might be asked to submit medical records, death certificates, or evidence of familial connections to help your case. You might also need tax returns or asset evidence for Form I-134.
- Fee To Filing: Form I-131 Filing Fee is $630. For Form I-134 there is no fee.
- Apply: Once you have filled out the forms and have all the documents ready, apply to USCIS. It will be reviewed by USCIS and they will possibly request more details.
Notice: Applying for humanitarian parole doesn’t guarantee approval because USCIS is the agency that determines who gets parole.
Common Questions about Humanitarian Parole
Is a humanitarian parole application considered within 6 months?
Applications are generally received within 90 days from USCIS. But as it may slow down due to massive application traffic, it takes longer.
How long is humanitarian parole valid?
The humanitarian parole period is decided on a case-by-case basis. Usually, it is for one year but it can be shorter or longer depending on circumstances. The parole term is up and the man has to depart the US unless they request an alternative immigration status or extension.
I got humanitarian parole, can I get a green card?
Humanitarian parole isn’t a visa, nor does it open the door to permanent residency or citizenship. Yet if a humanitarian parole has a U.S. citizen or green card holder in the family, he can request a family-based green card.
Why is humanitarian parole different from TPS?
TPS is awarded to people from countries who are currently under intense military or natural disaster, or in some other exceptional situation. In contrast to humanitarian parole, TPS enables them to remain and work in the U.S. during the period but doesn’t lead to permanent residency. TPS and humanitarian parole are temporary protections, but only TPS allows lawful work in the U.S.
