I know it’s not easy to leave everything you know—your family, your land, your traditions… But I also understand that many immigrants come to the United States in search of a better life. For me, being able to support and help them achieve their dreams isn’t just my job—it’s my mission.
Hello again, my people! I’m María Mendoza, an immigration attorney. Today, I want to share three real-life stories of clients who, in addition to resolving their immigration status, were able to return to their home country and reunite with their loved ones after being away for many years.
Reuniting families is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in my profession. And I say this from the heart: I come from an immigrant family, so I know what it feels like to be far from your own. Even if we have the financial means to travel, without proper documents, that option can feel impossible.
That’s when we realize the true dream: being able to live and return to our homeland with the peace of mind that nothing will jeopardize everything we have achieved in this country.
What Is a Travel Permit, and What Is It For?
There are several ways to leave and return to the U.S. legally, such as having a Green Card or U.S. citizenship. But for those who haven’t reached those statuses yet, a travel permit (Advance Parole) can be the first safe step to take, while your immigration process continues.
This benefit is incredibly valuable because it:
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Prevents you from losing your ongoing immigration case.
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Allows you to return with a legal stamp in your passport.
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It can open the door to adjusting your status without leaving the country.
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Approval times vary, and eligibility depends on each case. Some immigrants who may request a travel permit include:
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People with pending humanitarian visas, like VAWA, U, or T visas
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Individuals with TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
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DACA beneficiaries in humanitarian or educational cases
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Immigrants with a pending adjustment of status
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It’s important to note that each case is different. And here’s the key, my people: approval of a travel permit does not guarantee entry into the U.S. Factors like a criminal record, previous deportations, or false citizenship claims can affect entry. That’s why it’s always recommended to consult with an immigration attorney before buying your ticket and packing your bags.
Learn more here: What is a Travel Permit, and Who Can Apply for One in the United States?
Inspiring Testimonials
As I mentioned, over my 15+ years as an immigration attorney, I’ve had the privilege of helping many clients return to their home country. And who better to speak about this fulfilled dream than the clients themselves?
1. After Years of Waiting: Freedom and New Opportunities
Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, my client arrived in Washington 27 years ago. For a long time, she sought lawyers who could help, but she always heard, “It can’t be done.”
Fortunately, she found us on Facebook. Thanks to her trust, courage, and a solid legal strategy, we were able to provide the solution she had waited for all those years.
Today, she finally has the freedom to return to her home country while planning her future in the U.S. with new opportunities:
“Now I can go to Mexico, visit my family, and also pursue a better job. With my Social Security number, I can study and continue my career.”
2. Getting Your Papers in Order Helps You Travel Outside the U.S.
Like many immigrants, my client entered the U.S. without documents 24 years ago. For all that time, he lived in fear of deportation, without a work permit or Social Security number. This limited his opportunities and forced him to accept low-paying jobs.
At The Mendoza Law Firm, we helped him obtain his work permit, and he finally achieved something that seemed impossible:
“With this work permit, I was able to travel to Mexico to see my mom. I spent 15 wonderful days in Acapulco and returned legally. “, shared my client, who added: “Now I can get a decent job, live here legally, and have my driver’s license.”
You may also be interested in: 3 Ways to Get a Work Permit in the United States.
3. A New Dream Come True!
This case moved me to tears. Not only was my client from Durango—the same Mexican state as my family—but I also had the privilege of handing him his green card and helping him reunite with his family after 24 years.
“In Dallas, many attorneys had told me it wasn’t possible, but when I started working with Attorney Maria Mendoza and her team, they explained the legal path forward and gave me a positive response: after 7 months I received my Work Permit, and they assured me they would handle my case entirely while I remained in the United States,” my client shared, adding: “After so many years, I will finally be able to return to Mexico to see my parents who, thank God, are still alive.”
Is It Worth Applying for a Travel Permit?
The answer is yes—but always with proper precautions, my people. Every case should be analyzed individually. For many, this document is the first key to permanent residency, turning an undocumented entry into a legal one.
However, leaving without a legal strategy can not only put your case at risk but also lead to being denied reentry into the U.S. That’s why you should never take a step without professional legal guidance.
More Than Papers: Your Life, Your Family, Your Freedom
Getting your immigration papers in order doesn’t just mean having a secure status in the U.S.; it also means reclaiming the right to return home, hug your family, say goodbye to a loved one, and celebrate life with those you left behind.
At The Mendoza Law Firm, our mission is to walk with you on that journey. Because we know it’s not just about documents—it’s about your life, your dreams, and your family.
If you’re thinking about applying for a travel permit or taking the first step to fix your immigration status, schedule a free evaluation today. Together, we’ll find the best strategy so that one day you can say: “I did it! I can go back to my home without fear.”
¡La lucha sigue!
