Nationals and Parolees

Nationals

Definition

A national of the U.S. is defined as an individual who, though not a citizen of the U.S., owes permanent allegiance to the U.S. Nationals can enter the U.S. at any time without going through immigration procedure. Presently, the term “nationals” apply to:

  • People born in American Samoa and Swain’s Island after December 24, 1952; and
  • Residents of the Northern Mariana Islands who choose not to become U.S. citizens.

Parolees

Definition

Parolees are persons who normally would not be admissible to the U.S. but are allowed to enter temporarily for humanitarian, medical, and legal reasons, usually under emergency circumstances. Parolees are allowed in the country either “indefinitely” or for a specific period of time. Those allowed in the country for a specific period of time are not eligible. Those allowed “indefinitely” are eligible and may later be allowed to adjust their status to asylee.

Rule

Noncitizens entering the U.S. as parolees are given immigration status of:

Noncitizens paroled as Refugees and Cuban/Haitians are eligible for the RCA/RMA and ECA/EMA programs and are not sponsored. HPs and PIPs are NOT refugees and, therefore are not eligible for RCA/RMA and ECA/EMA programs, and may or may not be sponsored. The EW must ask each HP or PIP if they are sponsored. HPs and PIPs who are paroled for more than 1 year may be federally eligible. HPs and PIPs who are paroled for less than 1 year may be eligible for state only benefits.

A PIP’s documentation may expire while they are waiting to receive LPR status. USCIS will not issue new current documentation while they are pending LPR status, i.e., no extension stickers. When the client verifies pending LPR status with expired PIP documentation, they remain eligible for benefits as PRUCOL, if they remain otherwise eligible.

Documents

The following table applies:

Parolee

Document

Refugee

Persons who fear persecution are paroled into the U.S. as refugees. They will be issued an I-94 showing Section 212(d)(5) or stamped Section “207”. They may also have an I-688B indicating INA Section 274a.12(a)(4). Refer to Refugees.

Humanitarian & Public Interest Parolee

A HP or PIP may receive an I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record-Parole Edition) which states paroled into the U.S. under Section 212(d)(5). They may also have an I-688B indicating the provision of law: 274a.12(c)11, (paroled for emergency or public interest reasons).

Related Topics

Noncitizen Categories & USCIS Codes Introduction

Asylees and Authorization to Work

Conditionals