WHAT ARE HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMS?
The Humanitarian Immigration Programs of the United States are designed to offer protection and legal pathways to individuals who face persecution, violence, or life-threatening conditions in their home countries.
These programs uphold the U.S. commitment to human rights and international protection standards, providing refuge to those in need of safety and stability.
The primary humanitarian programs include Refugee Status, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Humanitarian Parole.
KEY HUMANITARIAN PROGRAM CATEGORIES
- REFUGEE STATUS
- For individuals outside their home country who are unable or unwilling to return due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group
- Political opinion
- Refugees are generally referred through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or U.S. embassies.
- Approved refugees may enter the U.S., receive assistance to resettle, and later apply for permanent residency after one year.
- ASYLUM
- For individuals already in the United States or arriving at a U.S. port of entry seeking protection from persecution.
- Must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution for reasons similar to refugee eligibility (race, religion, nationality, social group, political opinion).
- Two types of asylum processes:
- Affirmative Asylum: Filed voluntarily with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Defensive Asylum: Filed as a defense against removal during immigration proceedings.
- Asylees can apply for a Green Card after one year of being granted asylum.
- TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS)
- For nationals of countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
- TPS allows eligible individuals already in the U.S. to remain temporarily and obtain work authorization.
- Does not directly lead to permanent residency, but recipients may apply for other immigration benefits if eligible.
- HUMANITARIAN PAROLE
- Grants temporary entry to individuals who are otherwise inadmissible but have urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for coming to the U.S.
- Typically used for:
- Urgent medical treatment
- Family reunification in emergencies
- Individuals facing immediate danger in their home country
- Parole is discretionary and temporary, usually valid for a limited period.
BENEFITS OF HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMS
- Provide safety and protection from persecution or disaster.
- Offer legal stay and work authorization in the U.S. during the protection period.
- Access to social and resettlement support for eligible individuals.
- Opportunity for permanent residency in some programs (Refugee or Asylum).
- Maintain family unity through certain humanitarian sponsorships or reunification options.
HOW LA BREA CAN ASSIST YOU
Navigating humanitarian immigration requires compassion, accuracy, and understanding of sensitive personal circumstances.
At La Brea, we provide tailored support for individuals and families seeking humanitarian protection:
- Eligibility Assessment: Evaluate your situation to determine the most suitable humanitarian pathway.
- Application Preparation: Assist in preparing detailed documentation, evidence of persecution, or hardship conditions.
- Liaison with Authorities: Coordinate with U.S. immigration agencies, NGOs, or resettlement partners to ensure proper case handling.
- Legal Representation Support: Work alongside licensed attorneys for complex asylum or refugee applications.
- Post-Arrival Guidance: Provide assistance with resettlement, adjustment of status, and integration into U.S. life.
By partnering with La Brea, you receive compassionate, professional guidance throughout your humanitarian immigration journey — ensuring that your case is handled with care, dignity, and full compliance with U.S. law.
