Parole
Parole is a mechanism in U.S. immigration law that allows the Department of Homeland Security to permit individuals to enter or remain in the United States temporarily without being formally "admitted." Under Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, parole may be granted on a case-by-case basis for "urgent humanitarian reasons" or "significant public benefit."
Parole has been used in a variety of contexts throughout immigration history. Humanitarian parole is granted to individuals facing emergencies such as medical treatment needs, family crises, or threats to personal safety. Public interest parole is used for situations like allowing witnesses to enter for legal proceedings or enabling individuals to participate in programs deemed beneficial to the U.S.
In recent years, parole has become a significant policy tool through large-scale programs. The Biden administration created parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV), as well as the Uniting for Ukraine program, allowing individuals from these countries to enter the U.S. temporarily with a sponsor. These programs paroled hundreds of thousands of individuals, drawing both praise (for providing orderly alternatives to irregular border crossing) and criticism (for what opponents characterized as exceeding the statutory "case-by-case" requirement).
Critically, parole does not constitute formal admission to the United States. Parolees do not have immigrant or nonimmigrant status, cannot independently adjust to permanent residence (without an independent basis), and their parole can be revoked at any time. Parole is temporary — it expires at the end of the designated period, and the individual must then depart, seek another status, or face potential removal proceedings.
The legal status and future of large-scale parole programs remains a contested area of immigration policy and litigation.
Related Terms
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
A policy allowing certain individuals who came to the U.S. as children to receive renewable two-year work permits and protection from deportation. Does not provide a path to citizenship or permanent resident status.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
A designation allowing nationals of certain countries to live and work in the U.S. temporarily due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions in their home country. Must be redesignated periodically by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Removal Proceedings
The formal process in immigration court where a judge determines whether a foreign national should be ordered removed (deported) from the United States or allowed to remain under some form of relief.
LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident)
A foreign national authorized to live and work permanently in the United States, commonly known as a "green card holder." LPRs can be placed in removal proceedings if they commit certain crimes or fraud.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection)
The DHS agency that patrols U.S. borders, operates ports of entry, and processes encounters with people entering or attempting to enter the U.S. without authorization.