There’s a moment I’ll never forget—someone called our office in a panic. A loved one was stranded overseas, facing a dangerous situation, and they were looking for a way—any way—to get them to the U.S. legally and quickly. That’s when we talked about humanitarian parole, an option that’s often misunderstood but can sometimes be the only lifeline available.
At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we’ve worked with families and individuals in crisis, trying to help bring someone to safety when traditional immigration paths just don’t apply. If you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it actually means, here’s a breakdown of how humanitarian parole works, who might qualify, and what the process looks like.
What Is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is a temporary permission to enter the United States granted for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. It’s not a visa. It doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency. And it doesn’t guarantee future immigration benefits. But it can be a crucial short-term solution when no other legal entry is possible.
This option is used in a wide range of emergencies—think war zones, urgent medical needs, family crises, or situations involving vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly. In recent years, it’s also been used to help individuals fleeing political unrest or natural disasters.
Who Can Apply?
Humanitarian parole can be requested on behalf of someone outside the U.S. who needs to enter temporarily. The applicant could be:
- A parent trying to reunite with a child in danger
- Someone in need of urgent medical treatment that’s not available in their country
- A person facing a credible threat to their safety or well-being
- A caregiver for a seriously ill family member already in the U.S.
The request must show why that person can’t wait for regular visa processing and why no other options are available. You’ll need to explain clearly what makes this case unique and urgent.
What’s the Process?
To request humanitarian parole, the petitioner (often someone in the U.S.) must submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and a stack of supporting evidence. That can include medical records, letters from doctors, proof of danger or instability in the home country, and anything else that shows why this person needs to come to the U.S. right now.
This is not a quick or easy application. Every detail counts. USCIS evaluates whether the situation truly rises to the level of humanitarian concern. They also consider whether the person poses any risk and whether there’s a plan in place once they arrive.
The filing fee can be a barrier for some, though a fee waiver may be available depending on the situation. Once submitted, processing times can vary widely—from weeks to several months—though truly urgent requests may be expedited.
What Happens After Arrival?
If granted, the individual is allowed into the U.S. for a limited period, usually up to one year. During that time, they may apply for work authorization using Form I-765. Parole does not provide immigration status—it’s just permission to be here temporarily.
What happens next depends on the situation. Some individuals may qualify to apply for asylum, a visa, or another form of relief once here. Others may need to depart when the parole period ends. It’s important to have a long-term plan in mind, even as you focus on the immediate need.
Common Challenges
One of the hardest parts of this process is proving that the case truly meets the standard. The government doesn’t approve humanitarian parole lightly. It helps to gather as much documentation as possible—from hospital letters to human rights reports to personal statements from those affected.
Another challenge is uncertainty. Even with strong documentation, approval is never guaranteed. We’ve seen compelling cases granted—and some denied for reasons that felt vague or inconsistent. That’s why it helps to work with someone who’s walked through this before and knows how to frame the request in a way that aligns with what USCIS is looking for.
When to Reach Out
If you or someone you care about is facing a crisis and needs help entering the U.S. for a limited but urgent reason, Tourzani & Long, LLC is here to help. We understand the stress and stakes involved in these cases, and we treat each request with the urgency and care it deserves.
We assist individuals and families across a wide range of immigration needs and welcome inquiries from all backgrounds. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit tourzanilaw.com. You don’t have to figure it out alone.