Learn These Important Humanitarian Immigration Laws

All around the world, we hear cases of people being forcibly displaced from their homes. Violence, conflicts, persecution, and human rights violations often cause these displacements. Individuals affected by any of these are often forced to flee their homes and countries in search of protection. For many, the United States is a preferred destination because of the beacon of hope it offers everybody and also because of its humanitarian immigration laws. 

While the United States offers several immigration options, you may need to understand some of its laws before moving. A reputable lawyer can help you interpret these laws. While hiring a lawyer is important, you’ll also need to know a few things about the United States’ humanitarian immigration laws before moving. Here are some of the basic things you should know about how these humanitarian immigration laws work in America. 

What is Humanitarian Immigration? 

To fully grasp the concept of humanitarian immigration laws, we must first explain humanitarianism, which is the belief in the value of human life. The belief system is centered around treating one another benevolently and providing assistance when and where necessary. Humanitarianism often comes into play as a response to crises. It pushes individuals, societies, and countries to address the needs of people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and devastating injuries and illnesses. 

Most aspects of humanitarian immigration laws are built around the principles of humanitarianism. This type of immigration helps and protects people impacted by disasters. But beyond such people, this type of law also covers people displaced as a result of civil wars, oppressed by their government, or facing other similar issues in their home countries. Having recognized these situations and the need to shelter and provide aid for people in this category, the United States established the humanitarian immigration law. As its name signifies, humanitarian immigration visa laws provide different visa options for people directly affected by humanitarian crises. 

Some of the available options for people who want to migrate to the United States via this route include: 

• Humanitarian Parole: this option allows otherwise ineligible migrants to enter the United States temporarily. It is issued to protect individuals from compelling emergencies and similar issues. 
• Temporary protected status: this option provides temporary protection to people facing dangers and life-threatening situations in their countries. However, note that this option is only limited to citizens from a specific country and will ensure they are not removable from the United States. 
• The United States Refugee Admissions Program: This option protects non-US citizens facing persecution in their home country because of their religion, race, political opinion, nationality, or membership in certain social groups. 
• Asylum: The United States asylum protects individuals already living in the United States and meets all the conditions attached to refugee status.

Humanitarian Immigration Laws & Requirements

Now that you understand a bit about United States humanitarian immigration laws, you’re probably wondering about your chances. Just so you know, you must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for this relief. Here, take a look at some of the requirements. 

• Compelling humanitarian needs: the most critical criterion for the United States humanitarian immigration is the urgent need for humanitarian rescue. Humanitarian needs like medical emergencies and acute treatment that require a patient to travel outside can qualify them for immigration. However, the applicant must present enough proof to support their claims. 
• Absence of alternative solutions: One of the easiest ways to land a humanitarian immigration visa is to provide concrete proof that you’ve exhausted every option available. While it’s one thing to need humanitarian intervention, you must prove that you’ve exhausted options like visa applications. 
• United States sponsorship: The United States humanitarian immigration laws require most applicants to have an available sponsor who will take care of them during their stay. The sponsor can be a friend, family, or an organization that has agreed to handle housing and financial responsibilities. 
• Comprehensive documents: Before an applicant qualifies for humanitarian immigration into the United States, they must have the proper documents to support every claim they’ve made. Documents may include medical certificates, medical records, court affidavits to confirm humanitarian needs, etc. The proper documentation can hasten your humanitarian immigration approval. 
• Proof of tie or connection to native country: The United States embassy would typically want to be sure you’ll return to your host country after your migration period. Therefore, they’ll require you to present evidence showing that you’re strongly tied to your native country. Such proofs can range from employment commitments to property ownership to family relationships. 
• Security checks: The United States government wants to be sure that you do not leave the country prone to any risks by admitting you. Thus, don’t be surprised when they put you through rigorous security checks. Checks can cover criminal backgrounds as well as other factors that may disqualify you from normal immigration into the United States. 
• Timely applications: In addition to meeting all the above-listed criteria, you want to give the immigration authorities enough time to review and approve your application. Thus, we recommend submitting your humanitarian immigration visa request as quickly as possible. Note that the authorities will constantly prioritize instances requiring immediate humanitarian attention when making their decisions.

Conclusion 

While the humanitarian immigration laws provide immediate protection to applicants, it’s important to note that other long-term effects are often overlooked. For example, these laws offer people the chance to come to America and start rebuilding their lives. It also offers them a chance to contribute to the country’s economy and cultural diversity. 

The Coleman Law Group Can Help You

Like traditional immigration, humanitarian immigration is complex, and coming to America through any of the immigration programs reviewed above can be pretty difficult. But all these can be taken care of if you have knowledgeable people in your corner. That’s why we recommend working with a reputable American law firm that understands the United States humanitarian immigration laws. 

Fortunately, Coleman Law Group is a law firm with dedicated immigration attorneys who have sufficient knowledge and experience in this practice area. Contact us today to learn more about how our dedicated team can help you handle all cases relating to humanitarian immigration into the United States.