Parole for Afghan Nationals
Afghan nationals who are currently outside the United States and facing urgent humanitarian needs or other compelling reasons may be eligible to request parole through USCIS under special circumstances. Parole allows eligible individuals to come to the United States on a temporary basis for specific purposes.
Eligibility CriteriaPermalink
To be eligible for Humanitarian Parole, Afghan nationals must meet specific criteria, including:
- Urgent Humanitarian Needs: Applicants must demonstrate urgent humanitarian needs, such as medical emergencies, threats to personal safety, or family crises.
- Outside the U.S.: Individuals must be physically outside the United States at the time of application.
Application ProcessPermalink
The application process for Humanitarian Parole for Afghan Nationals involves the following steps:
- A completed and signed Form I-131.
- The required fee or a completed and signed Form I-912 or written request to waive the fee.
- A copy of official photo identity documents for the beneficiary, petitioner, and financial supporter.
- A copy of the beneficiary’s passport identity page, or another government-issued identity document establishing the beneficiary’s citizenship with an explanation why a passport is not available. (If no government-issued identity document is available, there must be some secondary form of an identity document with an explanation as to why a government-issued identity document is not available.)
- A description and supporting evidence of the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reason for parole, including documentation of any need for expedited handling, and the length of time the beneficiary needs parole.
- A completed Form I-134 with appropriate documentation.
- If the beneficiary cannot obtain a U.S. visa or use established refugee processing channels, a statement explaining why.
- If the beneficiary cannot obtain a waiver of inadmissibility, a statement explaining why; and
- If the beneficiary has any pending immigrant or nonimmigrant applications or petitions, evidence of those applications or petitions and a copy of any decision on them.
Biometric AppointmentsPermalink
If required, applicants may be scheduled for a biometric appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Decision and NotificationPermalink
Once the application is processed, applicants will receive a decision regarding their parole status and the length of their authorized stay.
Important ConsiderationsPermalink
- Temporary Status: Humanitarian Parole is granted for a specific duration based on the circumstances and must be strictly adhered to.
- Compliance with Parole Conditions: Parolees must comply with all parole conditions and regulations during their stay in the United States.
- Renewal or Extension: Parole is not automatically renewable or extendable, and individuals must reapply if they require an extension beyond the initial period.
- Temporary Stay: Parole is only granted for a temporary stay and does not provide a path to lawful permanent residency or citizenship.
Disclaimer: Immigration laws and policies can change, affecting the availability and requirements of the immigration processes mentioned above. Always seek legal advice or consult official U.S. government sources to understand the latest regulations and options available to individuals.