What is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is a special program that lets people come to the United States temporarily for urgent reasons. This could be to get medical care, escape danger, or reunite with family in an emergency. It’s not a visa or a way to stay permanently. Instead, it’s a temporary option for people who don’t qualify for other types of entry.
How Does Humanitarian Parole Work?
Humanitarian parole is decided case by case. To qualify, you need to show a strong reason to come to the U.S., such as:
Getting urgent medical treatment that’s not available in your home country.
Reuniting with family during a crisis.
Escaping dangerous conditions or conflict.
To apply, you’ll need to fill out Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and include evidence to support your case. A sponsor, like a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or organization, must show they can help you financially and provide support while you’re in the U.S.
What’s the Difference Between TPS and Humanitarian Parole?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is different from humanitarian parole. TPS is for people already in the U.S. who can’t safely return to their home country due to war, natural disasters, or other major problems. Humanitarian parole, on the other hand, is for people who need to come to the U.S. temporarily for urgent reasons.
What Countries are Eligible for Parole Program
In 2023, the U.S. started and then extended a new program to help people from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. It allows U.S. citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or nonimmigrants to sponsor individuals from these countries. There’s also a similar program for Ukrainians affected by the war in their country.
How It Works:
Sponsorship Requirements: Sponsors need to file an Affidavit of Support, showing they have enough income and resources to support both their family and the person they’re sponsoring.
Sponsor Responsibilities: Sponsors agree to help the person they’re sponsoring with:
Finding a place to live.
Searching for a job.
Getting medical care.
Learning English.
Eligibility for Parolees:
Must be from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, or Ukraine.
Must pass security and background checks.
The program is for temporary stays only, not permanent residency.
Benefits and Challenges of Humanitarian Parole
Benefits:
Helps people in urgent need find safety quickly.
Allows families to reunite during emergencies.
Provides support for those fleeing dangerous situations.
Challenges:
It’s temporary, usually lasting one or two years.
It doesn’t give legal status or a way to stay permanently.
The application process can be tough, and not everyone qualifies.
Final Thoughts
Humanitarian parole is a lifeline for people facing emergencies or crises. While it’s not a long-term solution, it offers safety and hope when it’s needed most.
If you’re thinking about applying for humanitarian parole, it’s a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer or trusted expert to make sure your application is complete and accurate.
