A man carries his son on the banks of the Rio Grande while applying for asylum in the United States on September 12, 2023. JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ (Portal)
Humanitarian parole is a temporary immigration status granted by the United States government to individuals who need to enter the country for urgent humanitarian reasons or for reasons of substantial public benefit. Typically, it is used in emergencies with a critical humanitarian purpose, such as medical treatment, family reunification or the need for essential assistance in disaster relief operations, as well as other situations where a refusal of entry could cause significant hardship to the applicant.
Humanitarian parole is only a temporary residence permit and does not grant permanent legal residence or provide a path to citizenship. Once the humanitarian purpose is fulfilled, the individual is expected to leave the United States. This permit is neither the same as an asylum application nor does it confer citizenship. If the parole period expires on humanitarian grounds, applicants can apply for parole again within the country.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for granting humanitarian parole to individuals who have good cause for temporary entry into the country but do not meet the requirements for a visa or other immigration benefits. The decision to grant parole on humanitarian grounds is at the discretion of USCIS and other immigration authorities. There is no guarantee that it will be approved and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Although the decision depends on each case, USCIS considers three key factors in its deliberations: the level of suffering the applicant could suffer if not granted parole on humanitarian grounds, the temporal sensitivity of the situation, and the potential adverse effects that could occur Refusal could have on the person’s well-being of the applicant.
Another crucial factor that USCIS considers is whether the beneficiary will have the means to support themselves while in the United States. The government requires proof of the existence of a person or entity willing to provide financial assistance to the beneficiary in the United States. The financial supporter may or may not be the same person or organization as the applicant. It may be a single organization or the petitioner may have multiple financial supporters. Additionally, USCIS evaluates cases with national security issues in mind.
How to apply for parole on humanitarian grounds
To request a humanitarian release, applicants must complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and attach a payment or payment waiver request. In addition, they must complete Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) for each beneficiary to demonstrate how they will support themselves financially in the United States. Applicants must provide a detailed explanation of the reasons why they are requesting parole on humanitarian grounds.
Presentation of evidence
In addition to the required forms and payments, applicants must provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for their request for humanitarian parole, the expected length of their stay, and the reasons why they cannot obtain a U.S. visa or residency waiver. It is recommended that you attach copies of all relevant immigrant or nonimmigrant petitions and identification documents. Foreign language documents must be accompanied by an English translation and a translator certificate.
Accelerated processing
USCIS considers all requests for expedited processing on a case-by-case basis. If an applicant believes their situation warrants expedited processing, they may request it by following the instructions on Form I-131 and writing “EXPEDITED” on the petition. You must also provide contact information and a detailed explanation of your background supported by available evidence. Expedited processing is usually reserved for particularly urgent or life-threatening situations.
How long does processing take?
USCIS acknowledges processing delays due to a high volume of humanitarian parole applications since Fall 2021. Submitting all relevant evidence in a timely manner is crucial to avoid further delays.
If parole is denied…
If release is denied on humanitarian grounds, applicants may submit a request for reconsideration or retrial. A Form I-290B application must be submitted within 33 days of the denial notice, including the correct fee or a request for a fee waiver. If there are important new facts relevant to the humanitarian parole application, you may also consider filing a new Form I-131. There is no limit to how many times a person can file Form I-131.
If probation expires for humanitarian reasons…
Those entitled to benefits can apply for a new residence permit after their humanitarian residence permit has expired. To do so, they must complete a new Form I-131, a new Affidavit of Support (Form I-134), and a legible copy of the Exit Registration Form I-94 issued with their initial authorization.
Country-specific programs
USCIS has several humanitarian parole programs for nationals of certain countries, most of which are in crisis. The application and approval process may vary depending on whether the applicant is a resident of one of these countries or outside of them. These are the programs:
There is also a process for Nicaraguans and Venezuelans. It was launched by the administration of United States President Joe Biden and is aimed at immigrants from countries in difficulty. Once approved, they can enter the United States under a humanitarian parole program and legally reside and work there for a maximum of two years. Applicants must have a financial sponsor in the United States
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