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        • Frequently Asked Questions About Urgent Humanitarian and Significant Public Benefit Parole for Afghans
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Humanitarian

On June 16, 2021, the Department of Justice vacated its previous 2018 and 2021 Attorney General decisions in Matter of A-B-, and its 2019 Attorney General decision in Matter of L-E-A-.  USCIS will no longer rely on those cases when adjudicating or screening any asylum, refugee, credible fear, or reasonable fear claim.

Both the special parole policy for arriving Cuban nationals, commonly known as the “wet foot/dry foot” policy, and the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program expired on January 12, 2017. Read the announcement on the DHS website. The Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program remains in effect.

USCIS provides a number of humanitarian programs and protection to assist individuals in need of shelter or aid from disasters, oppression, emergency medical issues and other urgent circumstances.

Latest Headlines

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Haiti
January 25, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted a Federal Register notice on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
Secretary Mayorkas Designates Sudan and Extends and Redesignates South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status
March 02, 2022
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new designation of Sudan and an extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

Topics

Woman looking to the side out a window

Temporary Protected Status

If you are already in the United States, we may grant TPS to you so you can stay in the U.S. for a limited time.
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Humanitarian Parole

Individuals who are outside of the United States may be able to request parole into the United States based on humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons.
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Refugee

You must receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for consideration as a refugee. Find more information on the referral criteria.
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Asylum

Every year, people come to the United States seeking protection because they have or fear they will suffer persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Find out if you quality for asylee status.
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