Humanitarian immigration programs offer vital protection to individuals facing danger, displacement, or urgent hardship. For many, these are the only potential pathways to legal relief from dangerous circumstances in their home country.
From children brought to the U.S. at a young age to those fleeing conflict or persecution, each program has specific eligibility rules and benefits. Given the complexity of these options and frequent legal changes, consulting an immigration lawyer is essential to navigate the process effectively. Let us help you navigate the legal system in your time of need.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals—or DACA—offers protection from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented individuals who were brought to the United States as children. To qualify, applicants must have arrived before age 16, lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and meet educational or military service requirements.
DACA does not provide lawful status or a path to citizenship. However, it offers temporary relief that allows young people to remain in this country without fear of removal. This status must be renewed every two years, and it is important to have an attorney to remain on top of any potential changes to the law in a rapidly changing political climate.
Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted to people from certain countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other dangerous conditions that make return unsafe. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security designates eligible countries, and only nationals of those countries can apply.
TPS shields noncitizens from deportation and allows them to obtain work authorization during the time they are here. It does not lead directly to permanent residency, but recipients have the chance to pursue visa programs that might let them stay in the U.S. for an extended period of time.
Humanitarian Parole and Asylum
Two other available options include humanitarian parole and asylum. Humanitarian parole allows individuals outside the U.S. to enter temporarily due to urgent reasons or for significant public benefit. This might include anything from medical emergencies to family reunification. It is granted on a discretionary, case-by-case basis and does not confer legal status, but it does offer opportunities for those who cannot wait to enter.
Asylum, by contrast, is for individuals already in the U.S. who fear persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. When asylum seekers are approved, they gain protection from deportation, secure the right to work, and eventually have a path to permanent residency
Learn How Footbridge Law LLC Can Help
Over the last 25 years, managing attorney David Harston has handled more than 5,000 immigration cases. That experience can be invaluable as you seek to enter or remain in the United States on humanitarian grounds. Instead of navigating this complex system on your own, reach out to Footbridge Law, LLC today for a confidential consultation.