By J. Lavetsky, Esq.
Beacon Immigration PLLC
July 21, 2023
Many of our clients will eventually need to use advance parole to travel abroad. Advance parole is a travel document that is required for some immigrants to travel to see their friends and family, or to further their businesses and careers. You might need advance parole if you are applying for a green card (adjustment of status), or if you have DACA, TPS, or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).
It’s important to employ a number of precautions so that you can safely return to the U.S. In the worst case scenario, for example if you lose your advance parole travel document while abroad, you might not be allowed to return to the U.S.
Here are some tips for traveling abroad with advance parole to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
Choose the Right Arrival Airport in the U.S.
When you arrive in the U.S., you will be screened by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the airport. CBP offices at different international airports have different policies and levels of experience, and some airports will provide a more comfortable experience than others.
For example, in New York City, traveling through JFK airport is usually a much better experience for advance parole travelers than Newark (in New Jersey) or LaGuardia. CBP officers at JFK are generally more familiar with advance parole, particularly DACA and TPS advance parole, and are less likely to give you any trouble.
Returning to the U.S. through airports in large cities with high immigrant populations will be easier than returning through smaller, regional airports. Traveling in a group can also be helpful, instead of traveling solo.
Choose the Right Departure Airport Abroad (and the Right Airline)
Before you’re even able to set foot in the U.S., you’ll need to board your return flight abroad. Just like you want to choose an immigrant-friendly airport in the U.S. to return to, you should try to fly out of a busy airport with lots of international travelers. Generally, these airports will be more familiar with advance parole documents than in smaller towns or cities.
Airlines can be fined by the U.S. government if a passenger is improperly boarded (for example, if they have an expired visa). So, airline staff abroad are sometimes reluctant to board passengers who carry documents that they are less familiar with, like advance parole. Choose an airport and airline that is likelier to be familiar with advance parole, like Delta or JetBlue, in a flight departing from the capital city.
Return when the Airport is Busy
If you’ve ever returned home when the customs line is very long, you know that it can be an exhausting experience, both for you and for the CBP officers working the queue. But you may have noticed that it’s sometimes easier to clear immigration when things are very busy. CBP officers are human, after all, and they want to move things along. At peak load times, CBP may be more apt to let you through after only a couple brief questions.
If in Trouble, Consider Traveling by Land
If there is any issue with your advance parole document, for example if it’s expired or if it has been damaged, you may not be able to board your flight back to the U.S. This is the worst case scenario, but you may still have options.
If you happen to be in Central or South America, or Canada, consider a land crossing back to the U.S. Travelers who can make their way to Mexico or Canada can then rent a car or take a bus back to the U.S. This may allow you to be seen by a CBP officer at the border, who is more likely to let you in if you can explain your situation.
You can also get in touch with the CBP deferred inspection unit at your return airport in the U.S., or the CBP Carrier Liaison Program.
Continued in part 2.
Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).
