Crime Victim Visa Applicants Cannot Require the US to Grant Travel Permits

A divided panel from the Ninth Circuit ruled that US immigration authorities are not obligated to grant advance parole to crime victims who are awaiting U nonimmigrant-status visas. Judge Danielle J. Forrest noted that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has wide discretion regarding the issuance of travel permits for individuals waiting for visa approval, even if they have received deferred action and work authorization. The court’s majority affirmed part of a lower court’s dismissal of claims aimed at compelling USCIS to issue advance parole to these U visa petitioners.