As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine mandates have become increasingly common. Many countries, including the United States, have implemented vaccine requirements for travelers, and individuals seeking to enter the country may find themselves in need of an I-601 waiver to exempt them from this requirement. In this article, we'll discuss how to apply for an I-601 waiver for the vaccine requirement and provide an example affidavit based upon a religious objection.

First and foremost, it's important to understand what an I-601 waiver is and why it may be necessary. The I-601 waiver is a waiver of inadmissibility that allows certain individuals to enter or remain in the United States despite being otherwise ineligible. In the case of the vaccine requirement, an I-601 waiver may be necessary if an individual is unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine due to religious beliefs or medical reasons.

To apply for an I-601 waiver for the vaccine requirement, you'll need to file Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the form, you'll need to provide supporting documentation, including evidence of your religious objection or medical condition.

One important piece of documentation is an affidavit explaining your religious objection to the vaccine. This affidavit should include a statement of your religious beliefs and how they conflict with the vaccine requirement, as well as any supporting documentation, such as a letter from a religious leader or organization. It's important to note that simply stating a general opposition to vaccines may not be sufficient; you must provide a specific religious objection.

Here is an example affidavit based upon a religious objection:

[Your name and address]

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Your Name], hereby attest that I have a sincere religious objection to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. My objection is based on my religious beliefs, which hold that all human life is sacred and must be protected. I believe that the use of fetal cells from aborted babies in the development and production of vaccines is morally wrong and goes against the teachings of my faith.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been developed and tested using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses, including the HEK-293 cell line. These cells were originally obtained from a fetus that was aborted in the 1970s, and have been used in countless vaccine and medical research studies since then.

As a Christian, I believe that all life is a gift from God and that we must do everything in our power to protect and respect that gift. The Bible teaches us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The use of fetal cells from aborted babies in the development and production of vaccines is a violation of these teachings and goes against the very essence of what it means to be human.

I understand that the vaccine is intended to protect against the spread of COVID-19, but my religious beliefs require that I maintain the sanctity of life and refuse any medical treatment that relies on the destruction of innocent human life. I have consulted with religious leaders and members of my community, who have confirmed that my objection is consistent with our religious teachings.

I understand that my objection may be considered unusual or even extreme by some, but it is deeply rooted in my faith and conscience. I request that my objection be respected and that I be granted an I-601 waiver for the vaccine requirement.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

In addition to the affidavit, you'll need to provide other documentation to support your application, such as medical records if your objection is based on a medical condition, and evidence that your objection is genuine and sincere.

Applying for an I-601 waiver can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right documentation and legal assistance, it's possible to obtain the waiver you need to enter or remain in the United States. If you're considering applying for an I-601 waiver, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and help you navigate any legal obstacles that may arise.

In conclusion, an I-601 waiver can provide a pathway to enter or remain in the United States for individuals who are unable or unwilling to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious beliefs or medical reasons. If you're in this situation, it's important to understand the application process and provide thorough documentation to support your waiver request. With the right support and guidance, you can successfully obtain the waiver you need and continue on your immigration journey.