Emergency or humanitarian visas provide temporary legal entry to the United States for individuals facing urgent crises, including medical emergencies, persecution, or humanitarian disasters. These visas are granted through programs like Humanitarian Parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and specialized protections for crime victims or refugees. The process typically involves submitting specific forms (such as Form I-131 for parole or Form I-918 for U visas), providing detailed evidence of the emergency, and demonstrating financial support or cooperation with law enforcement, depending on the program. Approval is discretionary and does not guarantee permanent residency, though some pathways (like U visas) may eventually lead to green cards.

Key findings from the sources:

• Humanitarian Parole is the most common emergency visa, requiring Form I-131 and proof of urgent need (e.g., medical treatment, family emergencies) ^[2][5][8].
• TPS offers temporary protection to nationals of designated countries facing conflict or disasters (e.g., Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela) but does not provide permanent status ^[1][3].
• Victim-based visas (U, T, VAWA) require cooperation with law enforcement or proof of abuse, with U visas potentially leading to green cards after 3 years ^[1][3].
• No appeals process exists for denied applications, but reapplication with stronger evidence is possible ^[5][7].

Emergency and Humanitarian Visa Processes

Humanitarian Parole: Temporary Entry for Urgent Needs

Humanitarian Parole allows individuals outside the U.S. to enter temporarily for compelling humanitarian reasons, such as medical emergencies, family reunification during crises, or attendance at funerals. This program is discretionary and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency, though it grants temporary legal status. The process is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires thorough documentation to prove the urgency of the situation.

Applicants must submit Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) and Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), along with a detailed written statement explaining the humanitarian need ^[5][8][10]. Key requirements include:

• Evidence of urgency: Medical records for treatment requests, death certificates for funeral attendance, or proof of family relationships for reunification cases ^[5].
• Financial support: A U.S.-based sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support the applicant during their stay, as parolees are not eligible for public benefits ^[2][10].
• No alternative visa options: USCIS may deny parole if the applicant qualifies for another visa category, such as a B-2 visitor visa ^[5].
• Processing delays: High demand since 2021 has led to significant backlogs, with USCIS prioritizing cases with the most compelling evidence ^[2].

The approval process is highly selective. For example, medical parole requests require letters from U.S. healthcare providers confirming the need for treatment unavailable in the applicant’s home country ^[8]. Denials cannot be appealed, but applicants may reapply with additional evidence if circumstances change ^[7]. Recent programs have streamlined parole for specific groups, such as Afghan and Ukrainian nationals, though these remain temporary solutions ^[2][10].

Protection-Based Visas: Longer-Term Solutions for Vulnerable Groups

For individuals fleeing persecution or violence, the U.S. offers several protection-based visas that provide longer-term stability than humanitarian parole. These include asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and visas for crime victims, each with distinct eligibility criteria and application processes.

Asylum and Refugee Status

Asylum is available to individuals already in the U.S. who fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applicants must file Form I-589 within one year of arrival, though exceptions exist for changed circumstances ^[1]. Key points:

• Burden of proof: Applicants must demonstrate a "well-founded fear" of persecution with evidence such as police reports, medical records, or affidavits ^[6].
• Work authorization: Asylees can apply for employment authorization 150 days after filing their application if no decision has been made ^[1].
• Path to permanent residency: Approved asylees may apply for a green card after one year ^[6].

Refugee status follows a similar standard but is processed abroad through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Both programs are capped annually by presidential determination ^[4].

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

TPS provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to nationals of countries designated by the U.S. government due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Current TPS-designated countries include Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Venezuela ^[1][3]. Requirements include:

• Continuous residence: Applicants must prove they have resided in the U.S. since the designation date for their country ^[3].
• No criminal record: Certain criminal convictions disqualify applicants ^[1].
• Renewal necessity: TPS is granted in 6–18 month increments and must be periodically renewed; it does not lead to permanent residency ^[3].

Visas for Crime Victims

The U.S. offers three primary visas for victims of crime or abuse:

1. U Visa: For victims of qualifying crimes (e.g., domestic violence, human trafficking) who cooperate with law enforcement. Requires Form I-918 and a certification from a law enforcement agency (Form I-918, Supplement B). After 3 years, U visa holders may apply for a green card ^[1][3].
2. T Visa: For victims of severe human trafficking who assist in investigations. Applicants must submit Form I-914 and evidence of trafficking ^[1].
3. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act): Allows abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens/permanent residents to self-petition for a green card without the abuser’s knowledge using Form I-360 ^[1][3].

These visas require substantial evidence, including police reports, court documents, or psychological evaluations. Approval rates vary; for example, U visas have an annual cap of 10,000, often leading to waitlists ^[3].