DistantNews
Support us
New U.S. Immigration Ruling Threatens Travel Permits for Undocumented Immigrants
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

New U.S. Immigration Ruling Threatens Travel Permits for Undocumented Immigrants

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • A new U.S. immigration ruling could penalize undocumented immigrants who use travel permits.
  • The decision impacts those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DACA, or pending asylum or adjustment of status applications.
  • Immigrant advocates warn the change could lead to lengthy bans from the U.S. for individuals with established lives in the country.

Immigrant advocates are sounding the alarm over a recent decision by the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that could significantly impact undocumented immigrants seeking to travel abroad. The ruling alters the conditions under which travel permits, known as 'advance parole,' are granted, potentially exposing recipients to severe penalties upon their return.

It reverses fourteen years of established policy and 'endangers' people with lives rooted in the U.S.

— Jeff JosephPresident of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, commenting on the new ruling's impact.

The BIA, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, issued the new resolution in the case 'Matter of Del Carmen-Lara.' This decision could have considerable negative consequences for immigrants who have accumulated over 180 days of unlawful presence in the United States. If they apply for and use a travel permit, they might face a ban from re-entering the U.S. for three to ten years.

It exposes these individuals to the risk of being barred from entering the United States and separated from their families for years if they leave the country and try to return, even if they have paid and obtained the permit to travel.

— Jeff JosephAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association president detailing the potential consequences of the ruling.

Immigrant rights organizations argue that this ruling overturns a 14-year-old policy and jeopardizes individuals with deep roots in the U.S. "It exposes these individuals to the risk of being barred from entering the United States and separated from their families for years if they leave the country and try to return, even if they have paid for and obtained permission to travel," stated Jeff Joseph, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. The affected individuals would be unable to leave the country for family visits, funerals, or work and educational activities abroad without risking a lengthy ban.

It does not contribute anything to making the U.S. a safer or more prosperous country, as the government of President Donald Trump argues.

— Todd SchultePresident of FWD.us criticizing the administration's justification for the ruling.

Organizations like FWD.us criticized the decision, asserting it does not enhance U.S. security or prosperity, contrary to the government's claims. "It is simply another step by this Administration to demonize and belittle DACA recipients," said FWD.us president Todd Schulte. Advocates are strongly advising undocumented immigrants to consult with their legal representatives before utilizing any travel permits.

It is simply another step by this Administration to demonize and belittle DACA recipients.

— Todd SchulteFWD.us president characterizing the ruling's intent.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog