Advance Parole
DACA Advance Parole
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, launched in 2012, allows certain immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children to apply for protection from being deported. In addition to receiving a work permit and a social security number, DACA recipients can also apply for a special travel permit called advance parole. Advance parole allows for these young people to temporarily travel outside of the U.S. and safely return shortly after.
Advance Parole Requirements
DACA recipients must apply for advance parole using form I-131 and pay the $575 fee to USCIS. USCIS can only approve the application based on having a humanitarian, educational, or business need to travel.
Examples of humanitarian reasons include family emergencies back home (someone in the applicant’s close family is sick), or the funeral of a close family member. If you need to travel for these reasons, you will need to include birth certificates showing your family relations. You also need medical records showing that your family member is sick, or their death certificate if they passed away.
Traveling for educational or business needs is also viable. Many DACA recipients enjoy a wonderful semester abroad using advance parole, for example through their university. A training or conference abroad related to your employment is also a valid reason to travel.
Once USCIS approves your application, you will receive an advance parole document that, together with your passport, allows you to leave the U.S. temporarily and safely return. See our two-part article regarding helpful tips for traveling safely with advance parole (parts 1 and 2).
Advance Parole Green Card
After returning to the U.S., many applicants will qualify for adjustment of status, that is, a green card, based on marriage with a U.S. citizen. Most DACA recipients were originally brought to the U.S. surreptitiously as children, either through the border without a visa, or otherwise with false documents. Traveling with advance parole and receiving permission from the U.S. government to re-enter the country cleans up one’s immigration history, making it easier to apply for a marriage green card.
Emergency Advance Parole
Many applicants cannot wait several months for USCIS to review their application and need to travel right away. If someone back home falls ill, you can try to make an emergency advance parole appointment at your local USCIS office. At your appointment, you will need to bring a filled-out form I-131, two passport photos, a $575 check or money order, and supporting documentation showing your emergency, such as a letter from your family member’s doctor.
Advance Parole Lawyer
If you need help applying for advance parole, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney. Please get in touch today: +1 845-288-2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com.
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).