Publication date: 12.05.2025
My name is Dana Prediy, I am an experienced lawyer with over 10 years of experience. Key areas of law: migration and civil law.
Legal Category:
U.S. Immigration Law — TPS (Temporary Protected Status), Work Authorization, Advance Parole
Case Summary:
A Ukrainian couple contacted the attorney after arriving in the U.S. in August 2022 under the humanitarian program Uniting for Ukraine (U4U). Their parole status was valid until August 16, 2023. After one year of legal presence in the U.S., the clients needed to extend their stay, obtain work authorization, and secure the ability to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S.
The case involved several components:
- Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — granting legal status during the armed conflict in Ukraine.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — to ensure legal work eligibility in the U.S.
- Re-Parole — permission to leave and return to the U.S. after short travel abroad.
- Fee Waiver — requested due to financial hardship.
Legal Strategy and Case Process
The first step involved establishing eligibility for TPS: per USCIS regulations, individuals present in the U.S. under U4U by the specified DHS date may apply for TPS without violating their status. It was explained that re-parole can be requested more than 180 days before the current parole expires, which was used strategically.
The attorney also prepared a Fee Waiver request (Form I-912), supported by documentation of government benefits and low income — crucial since the couple had no stable income in the U.S.
Submitted Forms:
- I-821 — Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (EAD)
- I-131 — Application for Travel Document (Re-Parole)
- I-912 — Request for Fee Waiver
Supporting Documents:
- Full copy of the Ukrainian passport
- Form I-94 — proof of lawful entry
- Previously issued EAD card
- Proof of U.S. residency: 12 months of bank statements, Form 1040 tax return
- Proof of receipt of public benefits
- 2x2 photos per USCIS requirements
All documents were submitted online through the clients’ USCIS accounts, ensuring efficient filing, transparent communication, and timely updates on the case status.
Re-Parole is a process that allows individuals in the U.S. under humanitarian parole to apply for an extension or renewal of their status once the original period expires
Result
In October 2024, the couple received official USCIS approval notices:
✅ Temporary Protected Status granted per DHS guidance
✅ Both individuals received Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
✅ Advance Parole (Re-Parole) issued — permitting short-term travel and return to the U.S.
✅ Full exemption from immigration filing fees granted
This case demonstrates how timely legal intervention, accurate interpretation of immigration policies, and thorough documentation can lead to success even in complex, multi-component cases. The clients not only preserved their legal status in the U.S., but also gained work authorization, travel rights, and secure legal protection.
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