Humanitarian programs provide pathways for individuals facing persecution, violence, or disaster to seek safety and protection in the United States. These programs include asylum, refugee resettlement, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and humanitarian parole.
Key Features
- Protection from Persecution: Offer safety for individuals facing threats due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- Temporary and Permanent Solutions: Include both temporary protections (e.g., TPS) and pathways to permanent residency (e.g., asylum and refugee status).
- Family Reunification: Allow eligible family members to join the primary applicant in the U.S.
Categories of Humanitarian Programs
Asylum is for individuals already in the U.S. or at a port of entry who cannot return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
- Eligibility: Must meet the definition of a refugee and apply within one year of arrival in the U.S.
- Application Process: File Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with USCIS.
- Benefits: Asylees can apply for work authorization, and after one year, apply for a green card.
The refugee program is for individuals outside their home country who are unable to return due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.
- Eligibility: Must meet the definition of a refugee and be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a U.S. embassy, or a designated NGO.
- Application Process: Undergo a rigorous screening process, including interviews and background checks.
- Benefits: Refugees can apply for work authorization and, after one year, apply for a green card.
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
- Eligibility: Must be a national of a designated TPS country and meet continuous physical presence requirements in the U.S.
- Application Process: File Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, with USCIS.
- Benefits: TPS holders can obtain work authorization and protection from deportation for the duration of the TPS designation.
Humanitarian parole allows individuals to enter the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
- Eligibility: Must demonstrate urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit.
- Application Process: File Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with USCIS.
- Benefits: Parolees can enter the U.S. temporarily but do not receive permanent status. They may apply for work authorization in some cases.
Eligibility Criteria
- Asylum and Refugee Status: Must prove a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- TPS: Must be a national of a designated country and meet physical presence requirements.
- Humanitarian Parole: Must demonstrate urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit.
Required Documents
- Asylum: Form I-589, personal statement, evidence of persecution, identity documents.
- Refugee: Referral from UNHCR or other designated entity, personal statement, evidence of persecution, identity documents.
- TPS: Form I-821, proof of nationality, evidence of continuous physical presence in the U.S., identity documents.
- Humanitarian Parole: Form I-131, personal statement, evidence of urgent humanitarian need, identity documents.
Application Process
- File Form I-589: Submit the application to USCIS within one year of arrival.
- Biometric Services Appointment: Attend a fingerprinting appointment.
- Interview: Attend an interview with a USCIS asylum officer.
- Decision: USCIS will issue a decision on the application.
- Referral: Receive a referral from UNHCR, a U.S. embassy, or a designated NGO.
- Screening: Undergo background checks, medical examinations, and interviews.
- Approval and Travel: If approved, receive assistance with travel to the U.S.
- Resettlement: Work with a resettlement agency upon arrival in the U.S.
- File Form I-821: Submit the application to USCIS.
- Biometric Services Appointment: Attend a fingerprinting appointment.
- Work Authorization (optional): File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- Decision: USCIS will issue a decision on the TPS application.
- File Form I-131: Submit the application to USCIS.
- Supporting Documentation: Include evidence of urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit.
- Decision: USCIS will issue a decision on the parole request.
Cost
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Asylum Application (Form I-589) | No fee |
| Refugee Resettlement | No application fee |
| TPS Application (Form I-821) | $50 (initial application) + $85 (biometrics) |
| Work Authorization (Form I-765) | $410 (if applying for work authorization with TPS) |
| Humanitarian Parole (Form I-131) | $575 |
| Biometric Services Fee | $85 (if required) |
Processing Time
- Asylum: Several months to years, depending on backlog and individual case circumstances.
- Refugee Resettlement: 18-24 months on average.
- TPS: Several months, depending on current caseload and country designation.
- Humanitarian Parole: Varies widely based on urgency and individual case details.
Key Points to Remember
- Documentation: Comprehensive and accurate documentation is crucial for all applications.
- Deadlines: Adhere to application deadlines and physical presence requirements, especially for TPS.
- Legal Assistance: Consider seeking legal assistance to navigate complex application processes.
Conclusion
Humanitarian programs offer vital protection and a pathway to safety for individuals facing persecution, violence, or disaster. Understanding the specific requirements and processes for asylum, refugee resettlement, TPS, and humanitarian parole is essential for a successful application. These programs provide a lifeline to individuals in dire situations, helping them achieve safety and stability in the United States.
Why Choose Globalvisanet?
Globalvisanet Overseas Careers stands out as our consultant , and our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully served our customers.
Explore the World with Globalvisanet:
- Visit Visa: Whether for leisure or business, embark on global travel with Globalvisanet.
- Study Visa: Unlock opportunities to study in globally recognized universities.
- Work Visa: Settle in the world’s best cities and pursue your career ambitions.
- Immigration: Your comprehensive solution for all visa and immigration requirements.
- Permanent Residence: Attain the status of Permanent Resident and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Tailored Services for Your Success:
- Profile Evaluation: We analyze your unique profile history, aligning it with visa eligibility criteria, and provide guidance on the appropriate visas to pursue.
- Resume Writing: Craft a standout resume tailored to meet the expectations of immigration authorities.
- Document Procurement: Assist in gathering essential documents required for visa applications.
- Professional Guidance: From interview training to language courses and crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we offer comprehensive support.
- Dedicated Case Officer: Enjoy personalized assistance and a singular point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Post-Landing Services: Our support extends beyond visa approval, helping you settle comfortably in your new country with customized post-landing services.
Experience a seamless journey for all your visa needs with Globalvisanet – from profile evaluation and document preparation to post-visa settlement services. If you have questions about filing the AIPP application, reach out to us immediately. We are here to assist you in every possible way.