President Biden’s New Parole-in-Place Program

On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced executive action in the form of a new Parole in Place program for certain spouses of U.S. citizens. Parole in place is an immigration provision that allows certain noncitizens who are already in the U.S. without lawful entry or admission to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to leave the country. This process is particularly crucial for maintaining family unity by avoiding long and stressful separations that traditional immigration procedures often entail.

How will the Parole in Place Process for spouses of U.S. citizens Work?

Under the new process announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024, can apply for parole in place. To qualify, these individuals must demonstrate that they pose no threat to public safety or national security and are eligible to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents. This initiative aims to prevent families from being torn apart by lengthy and uncertain immigration procedures.

Parole in Place for spouses of U.S. citizens and How Does It Help Families?

Who Is Eligible for this new Parole in Place Program?

To be eligible for this new parole-in-place process, individuals must meet specific criteria:

  • Be present in the United States without admission or parole

  • They must have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.

  • They need to be legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.

  • They must have no disqualifying criminal history and should not pose any threat to national security or public safety.

How Can Children of Noncitizens Benefit from the Parole in Place Program?

These children can be considered for parole in place if they are physically present in the U.S. without admission or parole and have a stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen. This inclusion helps maintain intact families and provides children with the stability of staying with their loved ones while adjusting their status.

What Is the Application Process for Parole in Place?

To apply for parole in place, individuals must submit a form to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with supporting documentation and a fee. Potential applicants should monitor DHS announcements and the Federal Register for updates, as we will soon publish detailed information about the application process. This will ensure comprehensive evidence is provided to demonstrate eligibility and meet all requirements.

What Impact Will This Have on Family Unity?

This new process is a significant step toward strengthening family unity by allowing eligible noncitizens to stay in the U.S. while adjusting their status. It reflects a commitment to compassionate immigration policies that recognised the importance of keeping families together. By reducing the uncertainties and hardships associated with traditional immigration procedures, parole in place provides a more stable and supportive environment for affected families.

The initiative represents a positive shift in U.S. immigration policy, focusing on the well-being of families and the long-term stability of individuals who have already established deep ties to the community.

Timeline and what you can do now.

The program is expected to open on August 19, 2024. Between now and then, the Department of Homeland Security is expected to publish an official notice explaining the application process, along with additional guidance and requirements. The notice will also explain what specific forms to file, the costs of filing those forms, and the required documentation and supporting evidence needed for approval.

Although applications are not currently being accepted, you can begin to prepare by gathering evidence of your eligibility, such as:

  • Evidence of a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen, such as a marriage certificate, as of June 17, 2024.
  • Documentation of proof of identity,
  • Evidence of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization.
  • Documentation to establish your continued presence in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.

For noncitizen children of requestors, evidence of eligibility could include:

  • Evidence of the child’s relationship to the noncitizen parent.
  • Evidence of the noncitizen parent’s legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen
  • Evidence of the child’s presence in the United States as of June 17, 2024.

At AKN Immigration, we are committed to helping you navigate these changes and ensure your journey towards legal status is as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards securing a brighter future for you and your family.

For the latest updates and comprehensive details on the Parole in Place program, keep in touch with us.

Don’t forget to share this post!

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Email

Related Posts

We are licensed to represent clients in all 50 states of America and abroad.

Let us walk your immigration journey with you. Contact our experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process.