Immigration parole programs in Chicago give foreign nationals a chance to enter or stay in the U.S. on a temporary basis if their presence in the country will contribute to urgent humanitarian causes or otherwise benefit the country and its people.
For help with applying for Humanitarian Parole or another parole program, consult the Chicago immigration attorneys at Cho Immigration Law by calling 312-853-3088.
Understanding Immigration Parole Programs and Eligibility
Parole programs ultimately give people permission to enter or remain in the country legally for a limited amount of time under certain circumstances. Depending on the situation, there are multiple types of immigration parole programs that individuals may apply for, including:
Humanitarian Parole
This program allows individuals to enter the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or if the public needs them for a particular benefit. For example, individuals may qualify for this program if they need to visit the country to receive medical treatment unavailable elsewhere or if they are visiting a family member who is terminally ill.
There are different Humanitarian Parole programs available, depending on the applicant’s country of origin, with programs for:
- Afghanistan
- Haiti
- Cuba
- Venezuela
- Nicaragua
- Ukraine
Advance Parole
This program enables non-citizens to temporarily travel outside the U.S. and subsequently return if they have an approved parole document before they leave the country. While the processing times for these applications are often long, it may be possible for individuals to expedite the process if they must leave the country for valid urgent reasons.
Parole in Place (PIP)
Another program that individuals may apply for is PIP, which enables undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel to stay in the U.S. This program could subsequently enable individuals to apply for an adjustment of status.
To be eligible for a parole program, you must meet eligibility requirements. For example, applicants must prove that they wish to enter or remain in the country due to “urgent humanitarian reasons” that the U.S. government deems pressing, and that individuals or the public may suffer if the government does not authorize the parole.
How Parole Programs Impact Chicago Immigrants’ Legal Status
According to data from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), around 2.7 million people are at risk of losing Humanitarian Parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, with over a million of those falling under the Humanitarian Parole program.
However, individuals on these programs may be able to apply for a permanent resident card to obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status or take another avenue to work and live in the U.S.
Deportation attorneys can help determine if there is a path to remain in the U.S. lawfully, particularly if you face a revocation of parole. The right attorney could also help identify and overcome barriers to citizenship if you wish to eventually undergo naturalization.
Steps to Take if You Qualify for an Immigration Parole Program
If you are eligible for a parole program, take the following steps to apply in the U.S.:
1. File a Parole Request
The first step will entail filing the appropriate application, depending on the program. Individuals will typically file Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records if they want to apply for any parole program. Individuals who qualify for Humanitarian Parole also need to file Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support.
2. Await Review from USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will then review the request and make a decision based on factors determining eligibility.
3. Get Help from an Attorney
If USCIS denies your request, or if you need help filing your initial application, it’s important to work with an attorney. The right lawyer could help with legal residency or even reopen an immigration case when warranted. He or she could also help identify a path to become an LPR or eventual U.S. citizen.
For help with your immigration case and applying for a parole program, turn to the Chicago immigration lawyers at Cho Immigration Law. To consult one of our lawyers, contact us today.
FAQs About Immigration Parole Programs
What is an immigration parole program, and who qualifies?
An immigration parole program enables individuals to enter the U.S. temporarily when they may otherwise be ineligible for entry. Individuals could qualify for this program if their entry into the U.S. would provide a public benefit or if they could contribute to urgent humanitarian causes.
How does parole affect an immigrant’s path to permanent residency?
Parole has no direct impact on an immigrant’s eligibility to apply for a permanent resident card. However, individuals in the country on parole may qualify for lawful permanent resident status if they meet other eligibility requirements, such as having a valid petition from a family member who is an LPR or U.S. citizen.
Can a Chicago immigration attorney help with a parole application?
An experienced attorney can help complete the parole process in a number of ways, such as preparing Form I-131 and Form I-134 and determining if there are other ways to work and live in the U.S. legally. In the process, a lawyer could help build a strong case and maximize your chances of succeeding with your application.
