By: Ben Loveman
On August 19th, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially launched the new “Parole In Place” process, Keeping Families Together, for certain noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens that can allow them to reunite with their family members. The program offers a pathway to residency and employment authorization for applicants who entered the U.S. without proper inspection (EWI). The program should also be available to certain spouses who entered the U.S. unlawfully while claiming to be a U.S. citizen or crewmen who were allowed to land in the U.S. conditionally and issued an I-95 (conditional landing permit).
The Biden Administration has been working on the Parole in Place program for months, with the goal of uniting families by allowing certain undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to request parole and potentially adjust their status without leaving the country. While the program is expected to protect thousands of immigrants from deportation, Eric Welsh recently explained in The Dallas Morning News that nothing is set in stone. He predicts, “I’m sure that opposition will be robust in no small part because this is an election year.” Applications for parole have already been approved by USCIS which has a dedicated team working on parole applications. Given the uncertainty of the future of the program. We highly recommend that interested applicants consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to assess eligibility for themselves or their loved ones.
Parole in Place Program
If granted parole and eligible, noncitizens can adjust their status to lawful residents without being required to leave the U.S. The DHS has estimates that over a million noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens and noncitizen stepchildren can be eligible for Keeping Families Together. Those granted parole will also be immediately eligible for employment authorization for the duration of their parole.
To be considered for Parole in Place under the Keeping Families Together process, certain eligibility criteria must be met.
Noncitizen Spouse Eligibility for Keeping Families Together
- Live presently in the U.S. without admission or parole;
- Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since June 17, 2024, and the date of the filing;
- Have a legal marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
- Have a clean criminal record history; and
- Biometrics and background checks must be submitted
Noncitizen Stepchild Eligibility for Keeping Families Together
- Live presently in the U.S. without admission or parole;
- Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
- Have a noncitizen parent who is legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before the noncitizen stepchild’s 18th birthday;
- Have a clean criminal record history; and
- Biometrics and background checks must be submitted
Contact an Experienced Family Reunification Lawyer Today
If you believe that you or a family member have grounds to be reunified with your family under Keeping Families Together (Parole in Place), it is recommended to contact an experienced immigration attorney.
Reeves Immigration Group has years of experience advising on immigration matters, from visa applications to deportation defense, and is prepared to assist you. Our team of California immigration lawyers will work relentlessly to navigate the shifting legal terrain and help secure your safety in the U.S.
Fill out our contact form today and speak with a California immigration attorney.
