How to Apply for Humanitarian Parole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Humanitarian parole is a form of temporary admission into the United States for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible. It is granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This option is available for individuals who are unable to obtain a visa or other form of admission into the country. If you or a loved one is in need of humanitarian parole, it is important to understand the process for applying. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for humanitarian parole.

Understanding Humanitarian Parole

Before we dive into the application process, it is important to have a basic understanding of humanitarian parole. As mentioned earlier, it is a temporary admission into the United States for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible. This means that they are not eligible for a visa or other form of admission. Humanitarian parole is granted for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, such as medical emergencies, family reunification, or to assist law enforcement. It is not intended to be a substitute for any other immigration benefit.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

The first step in applying for humanitarian parole is to determine if you or your loved one is eligible. As mentioned earlier, it is granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This means that you must have a compelling reason for needing to enter the United States. Some examples of eligible situations include:

• Medical emergencies: If you or a loved one requires urgent medical treatment that is not available in your home country, you may be eligible for humanitarian parole.
• Family reunification: If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you need to enter the country to be with them due to a serious illness or death, you may be eligible for humanitarian parole.
• Assistance to law enforcement: If you have information that is crucial to a criminal investigation or prosecution, you may be eligible for humanitarian parole.

It is important to note that humanitarian parole is not available for individuals who are seeking to enter the United States for economic reasons or to escape violence or persecution in their home country.

Step 2: Fill Out Form I-131

Once you have determined that you are eligible for humanitarian parole, the next step is to fill out Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It is important to fill out the form accurately and completely to avoid any delays in processing.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

In addition to the completed Form I-131, you will also need to gather supporting documents to submit with your application. These may include:

• A letter explaining why you or your loved one needs humanitarian parole
• Evidence of the urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit, such as medical records or a death certificate
• Evidence of your relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, if applicable
• Any other relevant documents that support your request for humanitarian parole

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee

There is a filing fee of $575 for Form I-131. If you are unable to pay this fee, you may request a fee waiver by filling out Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. This form can also be found on the USCIS website. If your fee waiver request is approved, you will not be required to pay the filing fee.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed Form I-131 and gathered all necessary supporting documents, you can submit your application to USCIS. You can do this by mail or in person at a USCIS office. If you are submitting your application by mail, be sure to send it to the correct address listed on the USCIS website. If you are submitting your application in person, you will need to make an appointment through the USCIS website.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

After you have submitted your application, USCIS will review it and make a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive a Form I-512, Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States. This document will allow you to enter the United States for the specified period of time and for the specific purpose stated in your application. If your application is denied, you will receive a written explanation for the denial.

Conclusion

Applying for humanitarian parole can be a complex and lengthy process. It is important to carefully follow the steps outlined in this article to ensure that your application is complete and accurate. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, it is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Remember, humanitarian parole is granted on a case-by-case basis, so it is important to have a compelling reason for needing to enter the United States. With the right preparation and documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to receive a decision on a humanitarian parole application?

The processing time for humanitarian parole applications varies depending on the individual case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to receive a decision.

1. Can I apply for humanitarian parole if I am in the United States?

No, humanitarian parole is only available for individuals who are outside of the United States and need to enter the country.

1. Can I apply for humanitarian parole more than once?

Yes, you can apply for humanitarian parole multiple times if your previous applications were denied. However, it is important to have new or additional evidence to support your request.

You might also be interested in reading this article: “Family Reunification: Parole Process for Non-Citizen Spouses and Stepchildren”