Humanitarian parole is a temporary permission to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons. Here are the key points to understand:
- Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate an urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reason for their entry.
- Application: The process involves filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, typically from outside the U.S.
- Approval Reasons: Common grounds include receiving critical medical treatment, acting as an organ donor, or visiting a seriously ill family member.
What are some common reasons people seek humanitarian parole?
Humanitarian parole is granted on a case-by-case basis for truly urgent situations. It is not a substitute for the regular visa process. We often see it used for compelling circumstances such as:
- Needing to receive life-saving medical treatment that is unavailable in your home country.
- Donating an organ to a relative residing in the United States.
- Caring for or visiting a family member with a serious or terminal illness.
- Attending a funeral for an immediate family member.
- Needing to escape imminent and targeted personal harm that does not qualify for refugee status.
Each application must be supported by extensive evidence proving the urgency of the situation. For example, a medical parole request would need detailed letters from doctors in both your home country and the U.S.
Can I apply for humanitarian parole if I'm already in the U.S.?
This is a frequent question, and the answer is generally no. Humanitarian parole is specifically designed to allow someone who is outside of the United States to enter temporarily. If you are already physically present in the U.S., other forms of protection or relief, such as asylum or a change of status, may be more appropriate. Our attorneys can help you identify the correct legal path based on your unique circumstances.
What happens after parole is granted?
If your request is approved, you will be granted permission to travel to the U.S. and stay for a specific period, usually long enough to address the urgent matter. It is crucial to understand that humanitarian parole is temporary and does not, on its own, lead to a green card or permanent residency. It is a short-term solution for a crisis. However, once in the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for work authorization, and in some limited situations, you might be able to explore other immigration options.
Practical Advice for Your Application
Navigating a humanitarian parole application requires careful preparation and a compelling narrative.
- Gather Strong Evidence: Your case depends on the quality and detail of your supporting documents. Letters, medical records, and official statements must clearly establish the urgency of your need to enter the U.S.
- Explain Why You Cannot Use a Visa: Your application must explain why you cannot obtain a U.S. visa through the standard process. This could be because visa processing times are too long for your emergency or because you are otherwise ineligible for a visa.
- Seek Experienced Legal Guidance: The discretionary nature of humanitarian parole makes it a challenging process. Working with an immigration attorney can ensure your application is thorough, persuasive, and correctly filed.
At Green Evans-Schroeder, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of the immigrant community. If you are facing an urgent humanitarian crisis, contact us today. We are here to provide the guidance and aggressive representation needed to fight for you and your family.
