The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban has prompted a refugee crisis. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, certain people can use parole as a tool to enter the US without a visa and stay for a stipulated time. As per the reports of UNHCR, more than 550,000 Afghans have been moved because of the advances made by Taliban. On August 23, the government announced that it will be using humanitarian parole to process the evacuated Afghans who don’t have a valid visa.
People outside the US can request parole into the US based on urgent humanitarian reasons for a temporary period. In case USCIS authorizes parole, it will specify the duration clearly on the document. Though parole allows people to be present in the United States lawfully, the parolee is an applicant for admission.
Parole does not confer immigration status and isn’t a path to permanent residency or the ability to obtain immigration status. But the applicant need not worry, as they can get lawful status in the US through several other lawful means.
The government of the United States is trying to assist all the individuals who are granted parole, but because of the changing circumstances and political unrest in the region and the closure of the US embassy in Kabul, the applicants might experience delays in the processing of the application.
Are you eligible for Parole?
USCIS exercises judgement to approve parole on a case-to-case basis for people with urgent humanitarian reasons to come to the US for a temporary period. To ensure fast approvals, the applicant must show that they qualify for the parole, and a favorable exercise of discretion is submitted with the Application for Travel Document, Form I-131.
List of Necessary Documents for supporting Parole request
- Legible copy of a government-issued identification document that shows the citizenship of the applicant
- A legit copy of a government-issued photo identification document that clearly shows the date of birth and name
- Evidence that shows how the sponsor will financially support the applicant in the US, which includes proof like tax records, employment, and bank statements
How To Apply for Parole?
Anyone can request parole on behalf of others or for themselves. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, in addition to a statement that explains the beneficiary’s urgent humanitarian circumstances, needs to be completed. The applicant will also need a Green Card Holder or US Citizen who is willing to file an affidavit of support on their behalf. Don’t miss out the crucial information like phone numbers, local addresses, and email addresses. If the applicant can manage to travel to a third country where the US embassy is there, it is highly recommended to notify the USCIS immediately on this email address HumanitarianParole@uscis.dhs.gov.
The application should also include the filing fee or the request for the fee waiver by filing the Request for Fee Waiver, Form I-912. Each family member needs to file a separate Form I-131 with required documents.
The parole applicant needs to have a valid passport in case the beneficiary doesn’t have a valid Afghan passport, it is crucial to include a copy of identification documentation and an explanation of why they don’t have a passport.
On arrival in the US
Conditional approval of parole doesn’t assure guaranteed parole. The CBP officer will thoroughly inspect the parole’s applicant travel documents upon arrival in the US and issue digital Form I-94 if parole is authorized.
The beneficiary must take additional care to ensure that they remain legally present in the US after their authorized period of stay ends. If you fail to maintain a lawful; presence in the country, it can have serious consequences.
AILA, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is also tirelessly working to provide people with the latest information, resources and updates that are necessary for the clients to get involved in this time of crisis.
If you want you and your family members to safely reach the land of the US, it is best to seek assistance from trusted and experienced attorneys to file your parole application along with the supporting documents to ensure successful approval. Our law firm is actively working with multiple volunteers and helping our Afghan clients to safely evacuate from the troubled lands and reunite them with their family in the United States.