The topic of advance parole, a document allowing temporary travel outside the United States with the possibility of return, has sparked heated discussions on social media. This debate intensified following the case of Yany Barrueto, a Cuban woman who claimed she traveled to Cuba without having permanent residency in the U.S.
Barrueto, known on TikTok as @yany.3barrueto, shared her journey on the platform, stirring curiosity and controversy among viewers. Journalist Mario J. Pentón interviewed immigration attorney Ismael Labrador to shed light on the issue. Labrador, an expert in immigration matters, cautioned against the risks tied to using advance parole in such circumstances.
"I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I care about or represent," Labrador stated. He explained that while the document is a legitimate means of travel, it carries significant risk, particularly for those whose immigration status is not fully regularized. Traveling outside the U.S. without approved residency can lead to severe legal repercussions. Even if not deported upon re-entry by CBP, individuals may face detention as their travel could be interpreted as abandoning ongoing legal procedures for immigration regularization.
The advance parole is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is intended for exceptional situations warranting a temporary departure from the country. However, it does not automatically guarantee re-entry, a point Labrador emphasized strongly.
There are generally three pathways to request this controversial travel document: through status adjustment, as DACA beneficiaries, or for urgent humanitarian reasons. Barrueto's account has elicited varied responses, ranging from those who see her experience as a potential opportunity for other immigrants, to those who caution against the legal risks and the negative impact it might have on future immigration processes.
"Taking such a trip risks immediate deportation. Just because it worked out for her doesn't mean it will for others," Labrador warned, highlighting cases where similar journeys ended poorly for those traveling to Cuba without U.S. residency.
The lawyer urged caution and the importance of seeking legal advice before making decisions that could jeopardize one's immigration status in the United States. These decisions are serious and can have irreversible consequences.
Barrueto's experience underscores the necessity of being well-informed and acting within the legal framework regarding immigration matters, particularly when utilizing tools like advance parole.
Understanding the Risks and Legalities of Advance Parole
What is advance parole and who can apply for it?
Advance parole is a document issued by USCIS that allows individuals to travel temporarily outside the U.S. and return. It can be applied for by those adjusting their status, DACA recipients, or individuals needing urgent humanitarian travel.
What risks are associated with traveling on advance parole without U.S. residency?
Traveling on advance parole without U.S. residency can lead to legal issues such as deportation or detention upon re-entry, as the trip might be viewed as abandoning ongoing immigration processes.
Why should individuals seek legal advice before using advance parole?
Legal advice is crucial because using advance parole can have serious implications on one's immigration status, and improper use may result in irreversible consequences.