A common question that DACA recipients often have is, “Can I travel out of the United States?” The short answer is, “Maybe.”
After your DACA application has been approved and BEFORE traveling outside of the United States you must apply for a document called “advance parole.” The fee for the document is $360. However, if your application is denied, the fee will not be returned. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services only grants advance parole if you are traveling for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. An example of “humanitarian” reason would be a death of a relative, a wedding, or visiting a sick relative, etc.
For those DACA recipients over the age of 18, traveling abroad may mean never being subject to inadmissibility bars, which could derail chances of permanent residence status in the future. For any DACA recipients whose deportation proceedings have been administratively closed, or who are or were subject to a final order of removal or voluntary departure, the consequences can be severe and irreversible.
It is important that you consult with an immigration attorney BEFORE applying for an advance parole document and BEFORE traveling abroad.
Please contact us at 317-236-0486 for a free consultation to discuss your options.