Humanitarian Immigration in New York, NY
In the United States, humanitarian immigration refers to statuses for foreign nationals who are in the country for humanitarian reasons rather than for employment or family-based visas. There are many avenues individuals can take, including temporary protected status, VAWA, U Visas, and Humanitarian Parole. Our immigration law attorney understands the options and can guide you through every detail.
Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provides individuals with protection if they are temporarily unable to return to their home country due to an environmental disaster, an ongoing armed conflict, or other extraordinary circumstances. Individuals with TPS can stay in the U.S. and are authorized to work while their home country is designated for TPS by the Attorney General of the United States. After TPS is terminated, the individual’s immigration status will return to what it was previously. TPS on its own does not create a path to lawful permanent resident status.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers immigrants an opportunity to apply for a green card without a sponsor if they are a domestic violence survivor and otherwise eligible for a green card. The purpose of this is to ensure that victims of domestic violence do not have to rely on their abuser to stay in the country. Only spouses, children of abusive American citizens or lawful permanent residents, and parents of U.S. citizens qualify for VAWA. Despite the name, this immigration option is available to survivors, regardless of their gender or sex, as long as they meet the other qualifying criteria.
U Visas
U visas are available for victims of certain crimes who help government officials or law enforcement officers with prosecuting or investigating criminal activity. To qualify for a U visa, you must:
- Be the victim of a qualifying crime
- Have suffered significantly either mentally or physically due to the criminal activity
- Have information regarding the crime
- You are helping, have helped, or are going to help government or law enforcement in the prosecution or investigation of criminal activity
- The criminal activity occurred in the U.S. or violated the country’s laws
- You are admissible to the U.S.
What is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is one of the most common types of humanitarian immigration. The process allows individuals to legally enter the country and stay temporarily if they are experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Individuals must have an urgent humanitarian reason and a compelling emergency, unless their presence in the United States offers a substantial public benefit.
A compelling emergency may include attending a loved one’s funeral or urgent medical treatment. Humanitarian parole is a short-term solution that does not offer a path to lawful permanent resident status or citizenship.
Our Dedicated Immigration Lawyer Can Explain Your Options
If you need humanitarian relief, our New York immigration lawyer at Nunez Law can advise you of your options and help determine which one is right for you. Call 917-708-1072 or use our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.