Can You Travel With Parole in Place
Traveling with parole in place is generally limited to domestic travel within the United States. If you have parole in place, you can travel within the U.S. without significant issues as long as you carry proper identification and your parole documentation. However, international travel is not recommended. Leaving the U.S. while on parole in place can terminate your status, and there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to reenter the country. If you need to travel abroad, you should consult with an immigration attorney, as it may be necessary to apply for advance parole, but even then, reentry is not guaranteed. In most cases, it’s safer to avoid international travel until you have adjusted your status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder), which offers more security for traveling abroad.
Understanding Parole in Place (PIP)
Parole in place is not the same as traditional parole, which usually refers to permission to enter the U.S. temporarily. Instead, PIP is a status granted to individuals already in the U.S. without lawful admission. It allows them to stay in the country and potentially adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) without having to leave the U.S. and re-enter legally. This is a significant benefit because leaving the U.S. after accruing unlawful presence can trigger harsh bars to reentry, making it difficult or impossible to return.
Can You Travel Domestically with Parole in Place?
If you have parole in place, you are permitted to stay within the U.S., but your ability to travel is restricted. For domestic travel within the United States, individuals with PIP generally face no significant barriers. They can travel by plane, train, or car, as long as they carry valid identification and their parole documentation. However, it is essential to be aware that domestic travel might involve interactions with law enforcement or immigration authorities, especially at airports. In such cases, having proper documentation readily available is crucial.
International Travel and Parole in Place
International travel is a different matter altogether. Traveling outside the United States with parole in place is not advised, as doing so can jeopardize your status. Once you leave the country, your parole is effectively terminated, and there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to reenter the U.S. If you need to leave the country for any reason, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney before making any travel plans.
If you absolutely must travel abroad, you may need to apply for advance parole, which is a separate permission granted to allow reentry into the U.S. after travel abroad. However, even with advance parole, reentry is not guaranteed, and the risks should be carefully weighed.
Alternatives and Considerations
If you are considering traveling outside the U.S. and you have parole in place, it may be wiser to delay your travel plans until you have adjusted your status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Obtaining a green card provides more security and flexibility for international travel.
In some cases, individuals with parole in place may be eligible for expedited processing of their green card application, especially if they are the immediate relatives of U.S. military members. This can potentially allow for more freedom of movement in the near future.
Conclusion
While parole in place offers significant benefits, especially in terms of remaining in the U.S. and adjusting status, it comes with limitations, particularly regarding international travel. Those with PIP should exercise caution and seek legal advice before considering any travel outside the United States. The risks associated with leaving the country are substantial, and understanding the implications of your specific situation is essential for making informed decisions.
In summary, while domestic travel is generally permitted, international travel with parole in place is highly risky and not recommended without thorough legal consultation.
