Can My Relative Come to the U.S. to Take Care of Me While I Have COVID-19?
Traveling to the United States During COVID-19
I am sure that we all had high hopes that COVID-19 would be in our rear view mirror by 2022, but the emergence of the Omicron variant has many people wondering
“What will I do if I get hospitalized due to COVID-19?”
“Who will take care of me while I quarantine?”
“Who will help me with my children if I suffer from long-COVID?”.
While these thoughts are scary for everyone, this issue may be more complex for immigrants and first-generation U.S. citizens, whose immediate family members and support system live abroad.
How Can I Come to the United States without a Visa?
Applying for a visitor visa may be a viable option; however, it is not the only option. Outside of experienced immigration attorneys, most people are unaware of a form of immigration relief called “Humanitarian Parole”.
Humanitarian parole is a discretionary form of relief that allows an individual to enter the United States temporarily when there is an urgent humanitarian need, such as the need to be the primary caretaker for a sick relative or for the individual to obtain medical care themselves.
Humanitarian parole can be granted to anyone, even individuals with past immigration issues. This does not mean it is easy to obtain this form of relief. Each grant of humanitarian parole is done on a case-by-case basis and it is at the immigration officer’s discretion.
So before applying for humanitarian parole, I recommend discussing your specific case with an experienced immigration attorney and gathering as much evidence as possible to support your request for parole.
How Do I Apply for Advanced Parole?
Keep in mind that each parole request is done on a case-by-case basis, so the evidence submitted with each individual request will be different, but here are common forms of evidence.
Proof of the relationship with the person you intend to visit and care for. This can be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, family record, etc.
Proof of the diagnosis and long-term outlook. This can be a letter from a physician, medical records, and medical evaluation, etc.
Proof of your intention to leave the United States timely. This can come in various forms, including employment, real estate holdings, spouse and children abroad.
The aforementioned list is not exhaustive. You also want to provide the most and best evidence with your initial filing.
When Should I file My Application for Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is only granted in urgent situations. It is not a way to circumvent traditional means of getting admitted to the United States. USCIS strives to review and make a decision on parole requests within 90 days; however, due to the increased number of applications it has been taking longer. It is recommended to apply as soon as you become aware of your urgent medical need.
Houston Attorney for Emergency Travel
For the past 7 years, the Holland Law Firm, PLLC has successfully obtained humanitarian parole and advanced parole for our clients in various circumstances, including getting an expectant father paroled into the United States to care for his pregnant wife to a caring sister paroled to come take care of her younger sibling during recovery after a major surgery.
If you have questions about humanitarian parole or any other immigration matters, including DACA renewal, permanent residency, traveling outside of the United States with a criminal record, and more, contact the Holland Law Firm, PLLC at (832) 328-7877 or info@tjhollandlaw.com.
Resources:
CDC-What to Know about COVID Variants
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes. You must consult an experienced attorney in order to obtain legal advance regarding your specific case. Any case examples and/or results are not a guarantee of a specific result in your case.
