USCIS Extends Parole by Two Years for Certain Afghan Nationals Under Age 14

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USCIS announced on October 26 that we will consider two-year extensions of the initial parole period on a case-by-case basis for certain Afghan nationals who:

• Were paroled into the United States between July 30, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022, with an OAR or PAR class of admission;
• Were under 14 years old as of Sept. 26, 2023; and
• As of Sept. 26, 2023, have not yet filed:
  • Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (to apply for re-parole);
  • Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; or
  • Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.

Because of their age, and because many of these minors may be in the United States without a parent or legal guardian, they may lack the capacity, access to resources, and general ability to navigate a complex immigration system. If they do not maintain parole, they will lose their eligibility for essential benefits, such as those offered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement. Losing parole could also mean they fail to maintain a lawful status for purposes of adjusting their status to lawful permanent resident in the future.

These actions are part of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to support Afghan nationals who worked alongside the United States in Afghanistan as Afghans continue to seek safe resettlement in the United States.