Humanitarian
Humanitarian Programs and Information
USCIS provides protection to individuals unable to reside in their home countries; to individuals who must enter the U.S. under urgent circumstances; and to victims of certain crimes, including but not limited to human trafficking, domestic violence, abandonment, neglect, or abuse.
Victims of Crime and Abuse
Abused Spouses, Children, and Parents
Aliens who have been abused by certain U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident relatives may be eligible for immigration benefits under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation. Certain benefits may also be available to eligible family members.
Victims of Human Trafficking
T nonimmigrant status is available to aliens who are victims of a severe form of trafficking, are physically present in the United States, have provided assistance to law enforcement or qualify for an exemption or exception, and meet other requirements. Certain benefits may also be available to eligible family members.
Victims of Other Crimes
U nonimmigrant status is available to aliens who are victims of certain crimes, have suffered mental or physical abuse, are helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity, and meet other requirements. Certain benefits may also be available to eligible family members.
Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ)
SIJ classification provides humanitarian protection to alien children in the United States who need the protection of a state juvenile court due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law.
Forced Marriage
Certain victims of forced marriage, where one or both parties did not or could not consent due to force, fraud, or coercion, may be eligible for immigration relief or safeguards.
Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C)
Certain victims of FGM/C, the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to genital organs for nonmedical reasons, may be eligible for immigration relief.
International Protection
Refugees
Aliens outside the United States seeking protection from persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion may be referred to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for resettlement consideration if they meet required criteria.
Asylum
Aliens present or arriving in the United States may seek protection from past or future persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion by applying for asylum if they meet required criteria.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
TPS provides a temporary immigration status to eligible nationals of certain designated foreign states (or persons without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated foreign state) who are physically present in the United States.
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
DED is an administrative stay of removal granted by the President. DED prevents certain individuals from being removed from the United States for a designated period of time.
Parole
Humanitarian Parole
Aliens outside the United States may request parole into the United States, or someone may request parole on their behalf, on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
Employment Resources for Parolees in the United States
Parolees who qualify for employment authorization may seek job opportunities if they are authorized to work.
Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghan Nationals
USCIS will accept and consider, on a case-by-case basis, re-parole requests under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) from certain alien Afghan nationals.
Country-Specific Information
Information for Afghan Nationals
Afghan nationals and their immediate family members relocated to the United States may be eligible for certain immigration benefits.
DACA
Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Certain aliens who came to the United States as children and meet several threshold criteria may request consideration of DACA deferred action and employment authorization.
Statelessness
Statelessness
A stateless person is generally not considered a national by any state under the operation of its laws. USCIS may consider potential statelessness when evaluating eligibility for an immigration request.
See the latest humanitarian updates in our Newsroom