Teresa has lived in the United States for over 25 years without being able to return to Mexico to see her family. Although she frequently talks to them on the phone, lately, she feels that calls are no longer enough. Her father has just passed away, and her mother is very ill. She does what she can from a distance—sending money for medicine and offering emotional support. But in her heart, what she truly wants is to be there, to hold her mother’s hand, and to say goodbye to her father as he deserves.
Teresa’s challenge is the uncertainty of whether she will be allowed to re-enter the country if she leaves. Her immigration documents are still being processed, and the fear of losing her home, and being separated from her children holds her back… What can she do in this situation?
Hello, my people! It’s your friend, immigration attorney Maria Mendoza, writing to you again. Today, I want you to know there is a way to go home and hug your loved ones without worry. In this article, I’ll explain what a travel permit is, who can apply for one, and the risks you should consider before doing so. Keep reading!
What is a Travel Permit?
Also known as Advance Parole, this is a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain immigrants to leave the country temporarily and return without jeopardizing their ongoing immigration process.
This permit is a valuable tool for those who need to travel for humanitarian reasons, urgent situations, work, or educational purposes without risking their future in the United States.
For a free case evaluation, call +1 (202) 933-3379
Who Can Apply for a Travel Permit?
It is important to clarify that not all immigrants are eligible for a travel permit. However, those who fall into any of the following categories may qualify:
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Individuals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). They can leave and return legally with an approved travel permit.
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DACA recipients. Those having a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may apply for a travel permit for humanitarian, educational, or work-related reasons. Family emergencies are often a valid reason for approval.
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Individuals in the process of adjusting status. If you are waiting for your Green Card through a U.S. citizen spouse or a child over 21 years old, you may apply for a travel permit to leave without affecting your case.
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Beneficiaries of Section 245(I) and individuals with humanitarian visas. If you have a U Visa, T Visa, or a VAWA petition, in some cases, you may qualify for a travel permit.
If you fall into any of these categories, it is crucial to evaluate your case with an immigration attorney before making a decision.
You may also be interested in: Everything you need to know about the VAWA Visa and the possibility of leaving the country.
Are There Risks When Applying for a Travel Permit?
While this permit can be a great opportunity, it also comes with certain risks:
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Re-entry is not guaranteed. Even with an approved permit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to deny you entry.
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Complicated immigration history. If you have previous deportations, illegal entries, or problematic immigration records, you may face difficulties upon returning.
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Processing time. Obtaining a travel permit is not immediate. Processing times may vary, so it is important to plan.
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Get Legal Advice Before Applying for a Travel Permit
With constant changes in immigration policies under the current administration, leaving the United States without having your paperwork in order could put everything you have built at risk. However, if you are facing an urgent situation and need to travel, do not make a rushed decision:
If you have an ongoing immigration case, seek legal advice before buying that ticket. If you’re my client, call The Mendoza Law Firm today—we’ll carefully review your case, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of whether it’s safe to travel without jeopardizing your immigration process. What are you waiting for? Schedule your consultation today!
¡La lucha sigue!
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