📢A new immigration decision may affect some people who plan to travel outside the United States using Advance Parole. On Aug. 13, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, which changed how certain travel with Advance Parole is treated under immigration law. What this means: If a person has been unlawfully present in the United States for more than 180 days, leaving the United States, even with a valid Advance Parole Document, may now count as a “departure” under the law. That departure could trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar to returning to the United States, depending on the amount of unlawful presence. This information is general and does not replace legal advice. Individuals should consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative before traveling. Learn more about unlawful presence and inadmissibility: