I’ve learned so much since starting my podcast, The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants, and my most recent episode shares about Advance Parole.
According to Informed Immigrant – Advance Parole is when noncitizens receive permission to travel and reenter the United States. This applies to DACA recipients.
For episode 51 of the show, Kevin shares about visiting Guatemala for the first time with advance parole. That in itself was a risk because he feared that he and his sister wouldn’t be allowed back into the US.
Kevin is the host of the Latin American Educational Opportunities Podcast, where he shares his passion for topics like business, finance, technology, politics, and mental health—which, as his website states, deserve greater attention within the Latin American community.
As mentioned above, it was a risk for them to visit Guatemala because although they had the documents for advance parole, entry to the U.S. depends on the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry.
How to Apply for Advance Parole?
According to Informed Immigrant, here are the steps to apply for advance parole.
- Write a cover letter.
- Fill out the AP application.
- Write a statement.
- Gather evidence.
- DACA Approval Notice (copy of the most recent one)
- Employment Authorization Document (a copy)
- Two photos (passport size)
- Application fee
Requirements for DACA Recipients
- You need a current DACA, passport, and employment authorization document at the time of application.
- Qualifying reason to travel abroad.
- Always consult with an immigration attorney or legal service provider before applying.
Risks of Advance Parole
The main risk of traveling with advance parole is the denial of entry. Kevin shares that he couldn’t fully enjoy his time in Guatemala because he had this dark cloud of the thought of being denied entry back into the US.
Informed Immigrant shares that the decision to parole or allow someone to enter the US is up to the Customs and Border Protection officer. Depending on how the recipient travels, this could be at the airport or border.
Additional Risk Factors:
- If traveling outside the parole date authorized.
- Traveling when DACA authorization has expired.
- Deportation or voluntary departure order.
- Multiple unlawful presences in the US.
- Involvement with the criminal system.
In Conclusion
The podcast isn’t a replacement for services an immigration attorney can provide, nor does it provide immigration legal advice. Please always consult with a reputable immigration attorney with any questions.
This episode shared Kevin’s experience, and there is no guarantee that all applicants will be granted advance parole.
If you have been approved for advance parole and would like to share your story, please email me at heidy@heidydelacruz.com. Thank you.
With Love, Heidy
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