If for some reason you are not admissible into the United States, you may still be able to come to the U.S. for a temporary period of time if there is a compelling emergency that affects your safety.

Under what is called "humanitarian parole," someone who is otherwise inadmissible, may be allowed into the U.S. temporarily, however, this is method is used sparingly.

The USCIS may temporarily grant humanitarian parole:

• To someone who is trying to be admitted to the U.S. because of urgent humanitarian reasons, or if it will significantly benefit the public.
• For a length of time that corresponds with the duration of the emergency or humanitarian situation.

If an immigrant is granted parole (a parolee), he or she must leave the United State before their parole expires. If you want to stay longer, you can submit a request for reparole, which has to be approved by the USCIS. Please note that when someone is granted parole, they are not granted any immigration benefits.

What are the requirements for parole?

• Anyone can apply for humanitarian parole.
• If you can't obtain the necessary admission documents from the Department of State, you can file an application for parole.
• People are not able to use parole as a way to avoid the normal visa procedures, nor can they use it to bypass immigration procedures.
• To apply, there must be an urgent humanitarian situation, or there must be a significant public benefit to granting parole.

If you are interested in applying for humanitarian parole for yourself or a family member, you should consult with an immigration attorney. If you are represented by a lawyer, he or she will need to file a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.

If you are currently in removal proceedings or have been removed from the U.S. in the past, be sure to discuss this with your attorney as it will affect where you send your request.