ImLaw News - USCIS now accepting new Parole in Place Applications
Parole in Place Program for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens is Now Accepting Applications
USCIS has announced additional information about the Biden Administration’s new parole in place program, Keeping Families Together. The ImLaw team is now able to assist clients with determining their eligibility for this program and, if applicable, the application process. Complete our inquiry form at imlaw.biz/contact-us.
On August 19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a Federal Register notice to implement Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will immediately begin accepting requests from eligible individuals for this process.
DHS estimates that 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens may meet these eligibility criteria. If granted parole, these noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens, if otherwise eligible, could apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country.
USCIS has published additional information on eligibility criteria, the application process, examples of the types of evidence noncitizens must submit to establish eligibility, how to create an online account and file Form I-131F online, and how to avoid scams in this process.
USCIS set forth the criteria for eligibility as follows:
In order to be eligible for consideration, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens must:
Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.
Noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens must:
Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before their 18th birthday;
Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.
Questions? Reach out at imlaw.biz/contact-us.