How to file your Parole in Place application

The registration process for thousands of undocumented immigrants to gain access to legal residency in the U.S. through what is known as Parole in Place is already underway as of August 19.

Remember that Parole In Place (PIP) is an immigration process that allows certain non-citizens who are spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to remain in the U.S. during their process to become permanent residents.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) comments that the eligibility criteria under the Keeping Families Together program are that non-citizen spouses must have been in a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024; be present without having been admitted or having received a temporary stay permit; have been physically present continuously in the United States from at least June 17, 2014 through the date of filing the petition for temporary permission to remain in the country; not pose a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and meet certain other eligibility criteria, as well as demonstrate as appropriate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for a discretionary grant of temporary permission to remain in the country.

The authority explains that noncitizen stepchildren, unmarried, under the age of 21 as of June 17, 2024, must be present in the United States without having been admitted or having received a temporary stay permit; have been continuously physically present in the United States from at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing the petition for a temporary stay permit in the United States; Meet the legal definition of a stepchild of a U.S. citizen based on the parent’s legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024 and before the child’s 18th birthday.

Other requirements are proof of identity, which can be a passport or driver’s license, or any other document that has your full name, photo and date of birth; evidence that you are married to a person who is a U.S. citizen; and proof that you have been in the United States for the past 10 years.

There are official estimates that about 500,000 non-citizen spouses and 50,000 stepchildren may be eligible for this process.

Applicants must file Form I-131F and pay a $580 fee.

Applicants must verify their eligibility, so make sure you meet the requirements. You will need to create a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services account on the myUSCIS portal in order to apply online.

You will also need to provide biometric data and undergo background checks. Once the form is completed and the fee is paid, the application must be submitted through the online platform.

It is important for you to know that this “Parole in Place” program offers a valuable opportunity for undocumented individuals married to U.S. citizens, allowing them to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.

Attorney Alma Rosa Nieto, Attorney at Law, recalls the requirements to access an opportunity to legalize your immigration status in the U.S. without leaving the country.

Although some states filed appeals against this measure, Attorney Alma Rosa Nieto, reiterates that it is important that if you are eligible to apply for this program.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

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