Is it Safe to Travel With Advance Parole on DACA?

For Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, the decision to travel internationally with Advance Parole is a significant one. While Advance Parole offers a legal pathway for DACA recipients to travel abroad and re-enter the United States, it is essential to understand the potential risks and benefits before embarking on any international journey.

Understanding Advance Parole

Advance Parole is a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain non-citizens, including DACA recipients, to travel outside the United States and return lawfully. To be eligible for Advance Parole, DACA recipients must demonstrate that their international travel is for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes.

Benefits of Traveling with Advance Parole

One of the primary benefits of traveling with Advance Parole is the opportunity to visit family members, participate in study abroad programs, or attend work-related conferences or meetings. Additionally, in some cases, re-entering the United States with Advance Parole may have positive implications for DACA recipients seeking to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence.

Potential Risks and Uncertainties

Despite the benefits, traveling with Advance Parole on DACA is not without risks. The current political climate surrounding immigration policies can create uncertainty and potential challenges for DACA recipients who travel internationally. Changes in immigration policies, global events, or individual circumstances could impact a DACA recipient’s ability to re-enter the United States, even with Advance Parole.

It is also important to note that Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry to the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to deny entry to any individual, including those with Advance Parole, if they determine that the person is inadmissible for any reason.

Mitigating Risks

To mitigate the risks associated with traveling on Advance Parole, DACA recipients should:

1. Consult with an experienced immigration attorney before making travel plans.
2. Ensure that their DACA status and work permit (EAD) are valid and up-to-date.
3. Carry all necessary documentation, including Advance Parole, valid passports, and supporting evidence for the purpose of their travel.

Stay informed about any changes in immigration policies or global events that may impact their travel plans or re-entry to the United States.

Final Thoughts

While traveling with Advance Parole on DACA can be safe when done with proper planning and precautions, it is not a permanent solution to the challenges faced by DACA recipients. Comprehensive immigration reform is necessary to provide DACA recipients with a clear path to citizenship and the ability to travel internationally without fear of losing their status or being denied re-entry.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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