The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is allowing Afghan nationals to apply for humanitarian parole. People who would otherwise be ineligible can apply for this status when their home nation is facing urgent humanitarian crises. This parole allows for a temporary stay in the U.S. until the crisis back home is under control. Normally, it does not categorize people as immigrants, and it does not put them on the path to citizenship. However, people who receive humanitarian parole may follow the normal channels to citizenship if they are otherwise eligible.
For Those Still in Afghanistan
The USCIS will handle Afghan parole requests on a case-by-case basis. Currently, those in Afghanistan cannot have their requests processed, as the Kabul embassy is closed, and consular services have been suspended. Anyone who is eligible must find a way to leave the country and be processed by a neighboring U.S. embassy or consulate.
Currently, the USCIS cannot help with relocation. If someone applied and has since moved, they must inform the USCIS of their current location. When processing necessitates moving on to a third country, the USCIS will expedite that person’s processing. Even then, the line is long, and there are many requests. This person must be ready to stay in their current location for several months.
For Those Outside of Afghanistan
There are multiple steps to processing requests. Until the USCIS has finished its initial processing, any local U.S. embassy or consulate cannot complete the process. Once the initial step is complete, the USCIS will inform the applicant that the case has been referred back to the embassy for continued processing. These next steps will include medical screening, fingerprinting, and additional vetting. The medical screening will be at the applicant’s expense. People already outside Afghanistan are given priority, but final processing may still take several months.
We Are Here to Help
This is a new situation, and the process is complicated. However, our firm may be able to help. We are dedicated to staying updated with developments in immigration law, and our immigration attorney is board certified. Our team may be able to stay in contact with the embassy handling your case, and we may also be able to help you with the paperwork.
If you need humanitarian parole, or if you have a loved one who is eligible, contact us today. Our number is (888) 867-5191, and you can reach us online.