Humanitarian parole refers to the ability of those from outside the U.S. to seek up to two years in the U.S. to escape from the country they are in on urgent humanitarian grounds. It can also be used if bringing someone into the U.S. will be of significant benefit to the U.S. public.
This system does not replace the usual immigration visa options. Rather, it exists to support those who are already applying through the traditional routes. Anyone applying for it will need to explain why they cannot just wait in their own country for the results of their main application.
Someone must sponsor an applicant
Someone who is already a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. must sponsor the applicant and guarantee they have the financial means to prevent them from becoming a burden on the state. Those who apply for temporary parole will however have the right to work for the duration of their parole.
This law has allowed many families to reunite with loved ones. It has helped U.S. employers fill gaps in their workforce and has undoubtedly saved many people’s lives. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about that.
Challenges to the law
This week sees a Republican-led challenge to the Biden administration’s use of the humanitarian parole system. The lawsuit alleges that the government has overstepped the mark in making it easier for people from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela to apply under the humanitarian parole system.
Consider learning more if you feel you or someone you know could benefit from humanitarian parole. As the upcoming challenge shows, when opportunities arise, you cannot afford to delay, as they might not be around forever.