The new Parole in Place program offers a valuable opportunity for mixed-status families. The program will provide a pathway for eligible spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens (USCs) to obtain legal status while remaining with their families in the US.
As of August 19, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun accepting applications for this program. Eligible applicants may apply for the benefit using the new I-131F form, submitting the required evidence, and paying the $580 filing fee.
To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole under this process, specific criteria must be met. First, the applicant must be present in the United States without admission or parole. Additionally, spouses of USCs need to have been continuously present in the United States since June 17, 2014. Furthermore, spouses must have a legally valid marriage to a USC as of June 17, 2024. It is also crucial that you do not have any disqualifying criminal history and do not pose a threat to national security, border security, or public safety. Lastly, you must merit a favorable exercise of discretion.
Notably, USCIS may also consider certain stepchildren of USCs under this process if they were physically present in the United States without admission or parole as of June 17, 2024. Stepchildren of USCs are not required to apply with a parent to be eligible for the program. Stepchildren who apply will need to provide evidence that the noncitizen parent legally married the USC citizen spouse on or before June 17, 2024, and evidence the marriage occurred before the stepchildren’s 18th birthdays. Stepchildren are not required to show they have been continuously present in the United States for at least ten years.
The Department of Homeland Security has published a Federal Register notice with further details on eligibility and the application process, including the form I-131F and the associated filing fees.
Please contact our office for a FREE 20-minute eligibility screening by calling (972)-241-4698 and/or visiting our website! Continue to follow and like us on Facebook at Akula & Associates and Instagram at Akulalaw.