To whom it may concern,
Direct entry into the United States has been suspended for many non-citizens (i.e., China, Iran, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa) by the presidential proclamations due to the current pandemic. We appreciate the president’s concerns and his support of public health. Although multiple exceptions have been added recently, the proclamations are completely silent about individuals with Advance Parole document. The U.S. customs and border protection states that “Aliens who have pending applications for certain immigration benefits need Advance Parole to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad”.
Many scientists, researchers, and students apply for employment-based immigration under the first and second preferences defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This group of applicants receives the Advance Parole document while their immigration case is still pending. The majority of these individuals are fully vaccinated in the U.S. and work for critical infrastructure sectors. However, there are many reported cases that airlines refused to board returning individuals holding the Advance Parole document due to the presidential proclamations.
We believe these scientists, researchers, and students traveling with the Advance Parole document should have equal rights to other scientists, researchers, and students traveling with non-immigrant visas who are currently exempt from travel restrictions.
Unfortunately, there is no clear instruction for Advance Parole holders on how they can apply for the National Interest Exception (NIE). We appreciate it if the administration could add these scientists, researchers, and students traveling with the Advance Parole document to the list of exceptions or at least clarify the procedure on how they can apply for the National Interest Exception (NIE).
Thanks,