President Joe Biden recently unveiled a significant initiative aimed at easing the path to legal residency for spouses of U.S. citizens who currently lack lawful immigration status. Contact us or schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about how you can qualify.
The new program, called "parole-in-place," falls under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and promises to grant temporary protections and work permits to up to 550,000 individuals. More importantly, it opens a streamlined route for these spouses to apply for lawful permanent resident status (green cards) without the need to risk separation from their families by leaving the United States.
Addressing Complexities in U.S. Immigration Law:
The initiative addresses complexities in U.S. immigration law, particularly for those who entered without inspection. Spouses of U.S. citizens, eligible for immigrant visas as immediate relatives, often face bureaucratic hurdles. Normally, they must leave the U.S., obtain a visa from a consulate abroad, and potentially face reentry bars up to ten years due to unlawful presence, unless a waiver is granted based on extreme hardship to their U.S. citizen spouse. These are very complex issues facing some foreign nationals that can be avoided by proper planning. Contact us or schedule a confidential consultation to have our competent attorneys review your facts and advise you further.
Benefits of the Parole-in-Place Program:
Key benefits of the parole-in-place program include allowing eligible individuals to pursue green cards while remaining in the U.S., avoiding reentry bars associated with leaving for visa processing. Even if the program faces legal challenges or discontinuation, those granted parole retain eligibility for residency from within the U.S.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process:
To qualify for parole-in-place, applicants must demonstrate:
- Continuous residence in the U.S. since June 17, 2014;
- Physical presence in the U.S. on June 17, 2024;
- Legal marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024;
- Entered the United States without admission or parole and do not currently hold any lawful immigrant or nonimmigrant status;
- Absence of disqualifying criminal offenses;
- No threat to national security or public safety.
Applicants will need to submit appropriate documentation and pay a fee, details of which are yet to be fully disclosed.
Projected Impact and Scope:
The Biden administration estimates around 500,000 spouses and 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens will benefit. This initiative provides an opportunity for these individuals to pursue permanent residency, a status they have technically qualified for over many years. Beneficiaries can work legally while awaiting visa processing, aiming to provide stability for families.
The announcement marks a significant step towards family reunification and immigration reform, alleviating uncertainty for many families. The parole-in-place program aims to keep mixed-status families together and mitigate bureaucratic obstacles hindering stability and security in the U.S.
Avoid the scams of unlicensed attorneys. Hire a lawyer with experience in immigration law, Contact us or schedule a confidential consultation to find out how we can help you in this process.