Keeping Families Together with Parole in Place

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a new initiative called "Keeping Families Together," aimed at minimizing the separation of immigrant families during the U.S. immigration process. This initiative is especially relevant for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who seek to adjust their status without leaving the country.

What is Parole in Place?

Parole in place (PIP) is a discretionary policy by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain noncitizens to stay in the United States while applying for lawful permanent resident status. Typically, immigrants would need to leave the U.S. to process their applications, but with PIP, they can remain with their families during the entire procedure.

Parole in Place Requirements

To qualify for parole in place under the Keeping Families Together initiative, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements differ for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

Noncitizen Spouses

• 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 not be deemed a threat to public safety, national security, or border security.

• Submit biometrics and undergo background checks and national security/public safety vetting.

Noncitizen Stepchildren

• 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 not be deemed a threat to public safety, national security, or border security.

• Submit biometrics and undergo background checks and national security/public safety vetting.

The Parole in Place Application Process

Understanding the parole in place application procedure is essential for a successful submission. Here is a detailed guide:

Step 1: Create a USCIS Online Account

To begin your application, create a free USCIS online account. If you already have an account, ensure you know the email address and password used to set it up.

Learn How to Create a USCIS Online Account

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation

Gather evidence to support your eligibility:

For Noncitizen Spouses:

• Marriage certificate to a U.S. citizen.

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport).

• Evidence of spouse’s U.S. citizenship (e.g., passport, birth certificate).

• Documentation establishing continuous physical presence in the U.S. since June 17, 2014 (e.g., tax transcripts, rent receipts, utility bills).

For Noncitizen Stepchildren:

• Birth certificate of the stepchild.

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport).

• Proof of U.S. citizenship status of the stepparent.

• Evidence establishing the marriage between the noncitizen parent and the U.S. citizen stepparent (e.g., marriage certificate).

• Documentation establishing the child's continuous physical presence in the U.S. since June 17, 2024 (e.g., school records, hospital records).

• Arrest records and court dispositions of any arrests, charges, and convictions (if applicable).

Step 3: File Form I-131F

File Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place, online through your myUSCIS account.

• Pay a $580 filing fee. Note that fee waivers are not available for this form.

• Ensure that you do not submit a paper application, as it will be rejected.

Step 4: Apply for Employment Authorization

If granted parole in place, you can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

• The filing fee for Form I-765 is $520 on paper, but only $470 if filed online.

• Fee waivers are available for Form I-765.

Benefits of Parole in Place

Parole in place offers several advantages, primarily centered around keeping families together. Here are some key benefits:

• Avoid Separation: Qualified noncitizens can stay with their families while applying for lawful permanent resident status.

• Work Authorization: Successful applicants can apply for employment authorization, allowing them to work legally in the United States.

• Streamlined Process: The parole in place application process can be completed online, making it more accessible and efficient.

Conclusion

Parole in place is a crucial tool in the U.S. immigration process for keeping families together. By meeting the parole in place requirements and navigating the parole in place application process correctly, noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens can achieve U.S. immigration family reunification without the stress of separation.