As detailed in a prior immigration news alert, President Biden announced in June his plan to offer a solution for undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens, as well as their children, who have been here for 10 years or more, to apply for legal permanent residency via “Parole in Place.” The Filing Guidance for Parole-in-Place Program has been provided to help these individuals navigate the application process effectively.
Starting on August 19, 2024, this program is specifically designed to allow qualifying applicants to apply for work authorization. Additionally, it offers protection from deportation from the United States and provides the ability to pursue U.S. lawful permanent resident status based on their qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen spouse or child.
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) published on August 16, 2024, the Filing Guidance for “Keeping Families Together” to help individuals as they prepare to file a request for parole in place through the online process. According to the announcement, USCIS will accept Forms I-131F (Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens) beginning August 19, 2024, and the form will only be available to file online.
The new filing guide is available to assist individuals in completing the online application for parole in place under the Keeping Families Together initiative. USCIS has also updated the frequently asked questions on the Keeping Families Together webpage. Further details about the program will be published in the Federal Register soon.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole, on a case-by-case basis, you must:
- Be physically present in the United States without official permission or parole status.
- Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.
- Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
- Not have any disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety.
- Otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.
Application Process
The doors to the official application will open on August 19, 2024, using a new electronic form, Form I-131F– Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.
As detailed by USCIS, the application process is set to proceed.
- There is no paper form for this process; it is strictly online.
- Form I-131F will only be available to file online starting August 19.
- Each requestor, including minors, must file a separate Form I-131F.
- Each requestor, including minors, must have their own USCIS online account.
- USCIS is not accepting any other type of form for Keeping Families Together
Key Takeaways to Note
- Online Application ONLY. Form I-131F will only be available to file online. Each requestor, including minors, must file a separate Form I-131F, and each requestor must have their own USCIS online account, including minors. You can learn how to create a USCIS online account here.
- Do not file a request for parole in place under this process before Aug. 19, 2024.
- USCIS is not accepting any other form for Keeping Families Together.
- Protect Yourself from falling victim to Immigration Scams. Applicants who require assistance in navigating the application process for Parole-in-Place should contact an attorney admitted to practice in the United States who is qualified for help and legal guidance. Attorneys registered to our lawyer network are qualified and admitted to practice with good standing, they are ready to assist applicants with their Form I-131F filings.
ImmigrationQuestion.com will continue to monitor developments in U.S. immigration law and will make future updates available via the news and blog section on the website at www.immigrationquestion.com.
