For many young people in the United States, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been a lifeline. Since its creation in 2012, DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to live and work in the country legally. One of the benefits of DACA is the ability to travel outside of the United States through advance parole. In this article, we will discuss what advance parole is, how it relates to DACA, and what you need to know before traveling.
What is Advance Parole?
Advance parole is a travel document that allows certain individuals to leave and re-enter the United States. It is typically granted to individuals who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status, but who have not yet been approved. Advance parole is also granted to individuals who have a pending asylum application or who have been granted DACA. In the context of DACA, advance parole allows individuals to travel outside of the United States for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes.
How Does Advance Parole Relate to DACA?
Under DACA, individuals who have been granted deferred action and work authorization may apply for advance parole. If approved, they can travel outside of the United States for up to 1 year. To apply for advance parole, individuals must complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and pay the required fee. They must also provide evidence of the purpose of their trip and demonstrate that the trip is for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
If you have been granted DACA and are planning to travel outside of the United States through advance parole, there are several important things you need to know:
- You must apply for and receive approval for advance parole before leaving the United States.
- You must have a valid passport from your country of origin.
- You must be able to demonstrate the purpose of your trip and that it is for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes.
- You may be subject to additional screening upon re-entry into the United States.
- Traveling outside of the United States does not guarantee that you will be allowed to return.
FAQs
Q: Can I travel outside of the United States without advance parole? | A: No, if you are a DACA recipient, you must have advance parole to leave and re-enter the United States. |
Q: How long does it take to get approval for advance parole? | A: It can take several months to get approval for advance parole, so it is important to plan your trip well in advance. |
Q: What happens if I travel outside of the United States without advance parole? | A: If you travel outside of the United States without advance parole, your DACA status may be terminated and you may not be allowed to return to the United States. |
Conclusion
Traveling outside of the United States through advance parole can be an exciting opportunity for DACA recipients, but it is important to understand the requirements and risks before making any travel plans. If you have any questions or concerns about DACA advance parole travel, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney.