Hello and welcome to another episode of the Empowered Immigrant Live! I'm Otis Landerholm, founding attorney at Landerholm Immigration, APC, where we fight for your American Dream. Today, I'm excited to discuss a new program that's making waves in the immigration world—"Keeping Families Together". This program offers a new Parole in Place process specifically for the spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.
What is Parole in Place?
Parole in Place is a program that allows certain individuals to remain in the U.S. with government authorization, even if they haven't been formally admitted. This is particularly important for those who wish to adjust their status to a green card holder without leaving the country. Parole in Place provides a crucial pathway for those who meet specific eligibility criteria, allowing them to stay with their families while their immigration status is being resolved.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for Parole in Place under the Keeping Families Together program, applicants must meet five key criteria:
1. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: As of June 17, 2024, the applicant must be married to a U.S. citizen.
2. Physical Presence in the U.S.: The applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
3. No Prior Admission or Parole: The applicant must not have been inspected, admitted, or paroled on their most recent entry into the U.S.
4. Clean Criminal Record: The applicant must not pose a threat to national security or public safety, and must not have any disqualifying criminal history.
5. Merit a Favorable Exercise of Discretion: The applicant must demonstrate that they deserve a favorable outcome based on the discretion of the authorities.
If you meet these criteria, congratulations! You may be eligible to apply for Parole in Place, which could be the first step toward obtaining your green card.
Benefits of the Program
The benefits of the Keeping Families Together program are substantial. For eligible individuals, this program provides a path to adjust their status without having to leave the U.S. This means avoiding the lengthy and uncertain process of applying for an I-601A waiver or attending consular interviews abroad. By staying in the U.S., applicants can have their cases adjudicated here, with the right to legal representation and the ability to appeal if their application is denied.
This program is particularly beneficial for spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, as it allows them to remain together while navigating the complex immigration process.
The Application Process
Applying for Parole in Place under this program involves a few important steps:
1. Filing Fee: The application requires a filing fee of $580.
2. Online Application: The process is entirely electronic, using a new form, the I-131F. Applicants must create a USCIS online account to submit their application.
3. Supporting Documents: Applicants need to upload various documents, including proof of physical presence in the U.S., marriage licenses, and identification documents. It's crucial to organize and label these documents clearly.
4. Biometrics: Some applicants may need to undergo biometrics, depending on their case history.
How to know if you are eligible:
The only thing you have to do is access this link and answer the form. In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to know if you are eligible: Eligibility for Keeping Families Together (office.com)