Filing for Humanitarian Parole

Definition of Humanitarian Parole

Humanitarian Parole is a mechanism that allows a foreign national to temporarily enter the United States for compelling humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit purposes. This mechanism is not a visa or immigration status, but rather used in exceptional situations when no other legal entry options are available.

Humanitarian Parole is granted at the discretion of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through either U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), depending on the specific circumstances of the request.

Eligibility Criteria for Humanitarian Parole

Applications are considered only when circumstances justify temporary admission to the U.S. Such circumstances may include: need for emergency medical treatment, participation in legal proceedings, temporary family reunification, attendance of funerals, care for seriously ill family members, protection from persecution, and other humanitarian purposes.

Each case is reviewed individually, considering the validity of provided evidence, legitimacy of grounds, and absence of threats to national security or public order.

Application Form and Requirements

The official petition must be filed using Form I-131 with mandatory supporting documentation proving eligibility for humanitarian parole. Additionally, a financial sponsorship form (I-134 or equivalent) must be submitted, demonstrating the sponsor's ability to support the applicant during their stay in the U.S.

The application must clearly demonstrate urgency, provide specific circumstances, and prove that consequences would be irreversible or severe without entry to the U.S.

Legal Nature and Recipient Status

Humanitarian parole does not provide permanent or temporary immigration status, is not a basis for obtaining a green card, and generally doesn't allow status adjustment, except in specific cases provided by law. It is limited in duration and subject to conditions specified in the approval decision.

Individuals admitted under humanitarian parole must strictly comply with the authorized period of stay and specified conditions, and must depart the U.S. when the parole period ends, unless otherwise authorized.

Role in U.S. Immigration System

Humanitarian Parole reflects the humanitarian aspect of U.S. immigration policy and allows, in exceptional cases, access to legal or medical assistance, family protection, or fulfillment of civic obligations for individuals in critical situations. This is a temporary, strictly regulated privilege granted only for compelling reasons supported by proper documentation.