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The Biden Administration’s Parole-in-Place Announcement
The Biden Administration's Parole-in-Place Announcement is a new policy initiative that grants legal protections and benefits to nearly 500,000 undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens.
Instead of nonresident spouses being deported while they wait for approval of citizenship through their U.S. spouse, this process allows noncitizen to await the process in the U.S.
This announcement includes provisions for temporary legal status, protection from deportation, work authorization, and a potential pathway to citizenship for eligible individuals. The goal of this initiative is to promote family unity, stability, and provide relief to mixed-status families in the United States.
Overall, the Parole-in-Place program aims to provide relief and stability to mixed-status families by offering a legal pathway for eligible undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens.
Determining Your Eligibility
To be eligible for the Parole-in-Place program under the Biden Administration, individuals must meet specific criteria set forth.
While the eligibility requirements may vary slightly based on individual circumstances, here are some general guidelines for who may qualify:
Marriage to a U.S. citizen: The individual must be married to a U.S. citizen, forming the basis for their eligibility for the Parole-in-Place program.
Good moral character: Applicants should demonstrate good moral character, which typically involves maintaining a clean record and abiding by U.S. laws.
Passing background checks: Individuals are usually required to pass background checks as part of the application process to ensure they meet security and criminal history standards.
Documented relationship: Providing evidence of a bona fide marriage with a U.S. citizen spouse is crucial to establishing eligibility for the program. You must have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
Noncitizen children of potential requestors may also be eligible for parole under this process if they are physically present in the United States without admission or parole.
Importantly, they must have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024. This provision highlights the importance of ensuring that family units remain together and facilitates the integration of children into a stable environment.
It's important to note that each case is unique, and eligibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. Consulting with legal experts or immigration professionals can provide more tailored guidance on individual eligibility for the Parole-in-Place program.
Application Process
The application process for the Parole-in-Place program involves several key steps that individuals must follow to apply for temporary legal status.
While specific details may vary based on individual circumstances and program requirements, here is a general outline of what the application process may consist of through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
Gather documentation: Applicants need to gather necessary documents such as marriage certificates, identification, proof of relationship with the U.S. citizen spouse, and any other supporting evidence.
Complete forms: Individuals will need to complete and submit specific forms required for the Parole-in-Place program. These forms typically include personal information, details about the marriage, and other relevant data.
Submit application: The completed application with DHS, along with all supporting documentation, must be submitted to the appropriate immigration authorities or designated channels as specified by the program guidelines.
Undergo background checks: Applicants may be subject to background checks to verify their eligibility and ensure compliance with program requirements.
Attend biometrics appointment: Some applicants may need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and other biometric data as part of the application process.
Interview (if required): Depending on the case, applicants may be called for an interview to further assess their eligibility for the program.
Await decision: After submitting the application, individuals must await a decision on their Parole-in-Place status. This decision could grant temporary legal status, work authorization, and protection from deportation.
Comply with program requirements: If approved, individuals must comply with the guidelines of the Parole-in-Place program, which may include renewing status when required and maintaining legal compliance.
Navigating the application process can be complex, and seeking guidance from an immigration attorney in handling such cases can be beneficial to ensure a thorough and accurate application.
Potential Benefits
The Parole-in-Place program under the Biden Administration offers several benefits to eligible individuals. Some of the key benefits that participants may receive are:
Individuals approved for Parole-in-Place receive temporary legal status in the United States, protecting them from deportation during the specified period.
Participants may be granted work authorization, allowing them to legally work in the U.S. and contribute to the economy without fear of repercussions.
Approved individuals may be eligible to obtain Social Security numbers, enabling them to access various services and benefits available to lawful residents.
While Parole-in-Place itself is a temporary program, it may open doors to potential pathways for permanent residency or citizenship in the future, depending on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies.
The program to promotes family unity by providing relief to mixed-status families, allowing undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to remain together legally in the country.
Participants are shielded from deportation while they hold Parole-in-Place status, offering a sense of security and stability to individuals and families.
With legal status and work authorization, participants may access certain benefits available to lawful residents, such as healthcare coverage and social services.
Depending on program guidelines, individuals may have opportunities to renew their Parole-in-Place status, extending the benefits provided by the initiative.
These benefits aim to provide relief, stability, and opportunities for eligible undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens under the Parole-in-Place program.
Take Action. Contact an Immigration Attorney
If you are seeking to gain citizenship through a U.S. spouse, contact my firm, M Mathew Law Firm, PLLC, in Dallas, Texas, to start the process. By enlisting the help of an experienced immigration attorney, individuals seeking Parole-in-Place status can benefit from professional legal support to navigate the process effectively and maximize their chances of a successful application.
I have the experience and knowledge to fight for your rights while keeping your best interests in mind. I’m proud to provide immigration law services to individuals and families throughout Richardson, Lewisville, Irving, Farmers Branch, Grand Prairie, Garland, and Mesquite. Schedule a consultation today to learn how I can assist you.