Family Parole-in-Place Lawyer

The Biden administration and the Department of Homeland Security recently introduced legislation called the “Keeping Families Together Act.” Its purpose is to minimize the potential for long-term family separation during the United States immigration process. Spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens living in the country may qualify under the program.

Recently, the Eastern District of Texas Court issued an administrative stay, temporarily stopping the approval of applicants. However, the federal government continues to accept applications and will proceed with approvals when the stay ends. For more information, schedule a meeting with a family parole-in-place lawyer. An experienced immigration attorney could help you through the process.

The Keeping Families Together Act

The Keeping Families Together Act enables the spouses and stepchildren of United States citizens to remain in the country during the application process to obtain their lawful permanent resident status. Before introducing the legislation, noncitizen family members applied through consular processing. Unfortunately, if evidence showed they lived in the U.S. for over a year during the procedure, it often triggered a ten-year bar, prohibiting re-entry into the country until expiration.

U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services continues to assert the importance of keeping families together during the immigration process. The program is available to eligible noncitizen spouses and stepchildren, allowing them to remain in the country while securing their immigration status. The legislation addresses common challenges families face, such as allowing them to obtain employment and facilitating family reunification. During a consultation, a family parole-in-place immigration attorney could review the detailed regulations and guidelines and answer questions.

What is the Family Parole in Place Program?

The Parole in Place (PIP) program is a federal immigration status available to qualifying family members of U.S. citizens who entered the country without approval and legal authorization. The USCIS reviews petitions and grants approval on a case-by-case basis. While the method, which provides relief to specific qualifying undocumented immigrants, is familiar, recent legislation expanded the benefits. Under the Keeping Families Together Act, spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens can seek work authorization, deportation protection, and the option to adjust their immigrant status for permanent residency.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

The eligibility requirements for the PIP program include the following:

• Applicants must have been present in the U.S. without parole or admission, which usually means they did not enter using a visa or other travel authorization
• Have remained in the country since at least June 17. 2014
• Legal marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024
• Clean background check with no disqualifying events, such as disqualifying criminal convictions or deemed as a potential public safety or public safety threat

Those granted parole may apply for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents without the requirement to travel to their home country. A family parole-in-place immigration lawyer could review documentation and background to determine eligibility and help navigate the challenging procedure.

Meet With an Experienced Family Parole in Place Attorney Today

The administrative stay issued on the Keeping Families Together Act has been a source of stress and frustration for many. Even so, the hold is temporary, and we will proceed as soon as possible.

While not currently granting probation, the USCIS accepts applications and schedules screening to ensure they are on track once the federal government approves the agency to proceed. Call an experienced family parole-in-place lawyer today to schedule an appointment, review your options, and begin preparing the application.