December is one of the most emotional months of the year. Many of my clients who haven’t seen their families in years dream of reuniting with their parents, siblings, or loved ones they left behind when they came to the United States seeking a better future.
And two of the most common questions I hear are: “Can I travel safely with my approved Advance Parole?” and “How safe is it to leave and come back to the U.S. right now?”
Hello, mi gente! I’m the immigration attorney, Maria Mendoza, and today I want to clearly explain what’s happening in 2025 with the Advance Parole, also known as a travel permit, which are the real risks involved, and what you should consider before leaving the country under the current Donald Trump administration.
What Is an Advance Parole Travel Permit?
Advance Parole is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows you to leave the country temporarily and return legally, without it being considered that you abandoned your immigration process.
This permit can be granted to certain individuals who have an active case or status pending with USCIS, such as:
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Adjustment of status applicants. For example, those waiting for their green card.
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DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
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TPS holders (Temporary Protected Status)
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Applicants for humanitarian visas, such as VAWA, T Visa, or U Visa
You may also be interested in: DACA 2025: Latest Updates and Opportunities for Dreamers and Their Families
What You Need to Know About Advance Parole in 2025
The first thing you must understand is that having Advance Parole does not guarantee reentry into the United States. Even if your document is approved by USCIS, the final decision lies with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
In previous years, when the political climate was more stable, officers generally allowed people with a clean record: no criminal history, prior deportations, or immigration violations, to return without major issues. The risk was low, and in many cases, reentry was smooth.
But today, mi gente, the situation is very different…
Learn more in this video: Can I travel with Advance Parole?
A More Uncertain Political Climate
Under the current Donald Trump administration, immigration policy has become highly unpredictable. As I’ve shared during my live transmissions, this administration often issues last-minute executive orders that can suddenly change the rules for entering or leaving the country.
Imagine this: you finally travel to see your family after 20 years, with your Advance Parole approved, a clean record, and your immigration case in progress. You’re enjoying Christmas with your loved ones, and suddenly Trump signs a new order suspending reentry for people traveling with Advance Parole.
What would happen then?
You could be stuck outside the U.S., unable to return home, losing your job, and separated from your children…
This isn’t to scare you—it’s to prepare you. In this political climate, I’m not recommending my clients travel with Advance Parole unless there’s a truly urgent reason, and only after reviewing their full immigration history with an experienced immigration attorney.
I Understand the Reasons of the Heart, But the Risk Is Real
I know many people want to travel for deeply emotional and human reasons: seeing a sick parent, saying goodbye to a loved one, or simply hugging their family after so many years. And trust me, I completely understand that feeling. But I’ve also seen cases where people made that decision and were not allowed to return to the United States.
Every case is different, and every immigration story has its own details. That’s why if you’re thinking about traveling abroad with your Advance Parole, don’t make that decision without legal support.
More information: Returning Home and Hugging Your Family: How to Do It Legally and Achieve the True American Dream
Talk to an Immigration Attorney Before Buying Your Ticket
If your Advance Parole has been approved, and you’re planning to use it this holiday season, pause for a moment. Before packing your bags or buying that ticket, talk to an immigration attorney who can carefully review your case.
Sometimes, small details, as a past voluntary departure, an old entry without inspection, or a misfiled document, can create serious problems when trying to come back to the U.S.
Don’t risk everything you’ve worked so hard to build. If you’re facing an urgent situation and want to know if it’s truly safe for you to travel with Advance Parole, contact us to schedule a consultation with my team. We can help you determine whether leaving the country right now is a safe choice for your case.
¡La lucha sigue!
