The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will now issue a combination Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole Document on one card. With the new card, adjustment of status applicants no longer will have to carry both an EAD and a separate paper Advance Parole document while awaiting adjudication of their Form I-485 applications. Instead, applicants only will have to carry this one credit card-sized card. The new card is more secure and more durable than the current paper Advance Parole document. Applicants will only receive this card if they apply for both an EAD and Advance Parole. Individuals who have been unlawfully present in the U.S. and subsequently depart and seek re-entry through a grant of parole may be inadmissible and ineligible to adjust their status and should not travel out of the country. The USCIS processes applications for advance parole and issues cards, but it does not perform an individualized determination of your eligibility to re-enter the U.S. after travel outside of the country (you and/or your attorney must do this analysis). This card is only available to certain individuals who have pending family or employment-based Forms I-485.
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