WASHINGTON, D.C., Weds. Oct. 27: With the holidays fast approaching, Caribbean immigrants still awaiting approval of their adjustment of status applications, are being urged to apply for permission from the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service before making plans to travel home. USCIS officials this week warned that ‘advance parole’ must be sought by these individuals before they leave the country. This can be obtained by filing Form I-131 or the Application for Travel Document with the USCIS. The form is available by logging on to, www.immigration.gov/graphics/index.htm. Advance Parole basically means permission to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad in order to continue processing for adjustment of status, according to the USCIS. Travel outside of the United States without advance parole may have severe consequences for certain individuals who are in the process of adjusting their status, immigration officials warned, including being unable to return to the United States or having their applications denied, or both. “Issuing this travel reminder ensures that our USCIS customers are aware of the immigration travel requirements before they make holiday travel plans to their home country,” said Eduardo Aguirre, director of USCIS, in a statement this week. Applicants can apply for Advance Parole at a local USCIS district office or a USCIS Service Center. Processing time for Service Centers ranges from 90-150 days while local district offices vary from district to district. But immigrants not yet green card holders, are also warned that even though they may have received advanced parole, they run the risk of being barred from admission upon return under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. They are advised to consult an attorney before traveling abroad. SOURCE: HARDBEATNEWS.COM