Questions & Answers: Humanitarian Parole
Parole is used sparingly to bring someone who is otherwise inadmissible into the United States for a temporary period of time due to a compelling emergency.
Q. Where Can I Find The Law About Humanitarian Parole?
A. The legal foundation for humanitarian parole comes from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the INA states that USCIS has discretion to parole an individual into the United States temporarily under certain conditions for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit on a case-by-case basis.
Q. Where Do I File A Request For Humanitarian Parole?
A. You file a request for humanitarian parole using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, to:
USCIS Dallas Lockbox
For US Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:
USCIS
PO Box 660865
Dallas, TX. 75266
For Express mail and courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: HP
2501 S. State Hwy 121, Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
If you are currently in removal proceedings or have been previously removed from the United States, you will need to submit your request to:
Homeland Security Investigations
Attn: Law Enforcement Parole Unit
11320 Random Hills Rd Stop 5122
Fairfax, VA 20598-5122
Q. How Long Does It Take To Adjudicate An Application?
A. Parole applications are generally adjudicated within 90-120 business days from the time we receive your application.
Q. How Can I Find Out The Status Of My Application?
A. To check the status of your application, please contact the Chief of International Operations Division by directly writing the address above. Please provide us with specific information about your application, such as the case number of the humanitarian parole application, name and date of birth of the petitioner, the date of application, and a brief explanation of the reasons for seeking humanitarian parole.
Q. Can Humanitarian Parole Applications Be Adjudicated For Individuals Currently In The United States?
A. Requests for humanitarian parole can only be accepted for individuals who are currently outside of the United States unless it is a request for extension of parole that was granted at USCIS Headquarters, Washington, DC
Q. How Will I Be Notified If My Request Is Approved?
A. If you are the applicant, you will receive a written notice when your application has been adjudicated.
Q. How Long Are Humanitarian Paroles Approved For?
A. Humanitarian paroles are granted for a period that coincides with the duration of the emergency or humanitarian situation that is the basis for the request. Parole is granted for no longer than one year.
Q. Who Can File An Application For Humanitarian Parole?
A. Anyone can file an application for humanitarian parole, including the prospective parolee, a sponsoring relative, an attorney, or any other interested individual or organization.
Q. What Can I Do If My Case Is Not Approved?
A. The denial of a request for humanitarian parole is a discretionary determination based upon a complete review of all of the circumstances described in the documents submitted in each case. The law does not provide for appeal of a denial. However, if there are significant new facts that are relevant to your application for humanitarian parole, you may submit a new Form I-131 to the address above with a new fee and supporting documentation.
Q. Where Can I Receive Forms For Filing A Humanitarian Parole?
A. See the “Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and Form I-134, Affidavit of Support” links to the right. You may also make a request online to have the forms mailed to you, or you may call the USCIS Forms Request Line at 1- 800-870-3676. After receiving the I-131 and I-134 forms, read carefully to determine what types of documents are required.
