If you are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen and do not have legal immigration status, Parole in Place may good news for you. In June 2024, President Joe Biden announced an immigration plan that brings significant changes to keep families together. Starting August 19, 2024, eligible individuals will be able to begin the process of regularizing their status without leaving the United States.
This article provides everything you need to know about this new measure, including the eligibility requirements and the documents you should prepare. Read on to find out how this change could benefit your family.
What does this Parole in Place mean?
This plan allows undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place. This special permission allows them to remain in the country while they complete the process to adjust their immigration status. Previously, many families faced the difficult decision of separating because applicants had to leave the country to complete the process. Now, this requirement is eliminated, offering a more humane and practical solution.
Main benefits:
- Allows families to stay together during the process.
- Eliminates the fear of deportation while adjusting status.
- Provides peace of mind and stability to thousands of people.
Who qualifies for this Parole in Place?
To determine if you or your family members are eligible, ensure you meet these requirements:
- Residence in the U.S.: Must have lived continuously in the country for at least 10 years up to June 17, 2024.
- Marital status: Must be legally married to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024.
- Immigration status: Must not have been legally admitted into the U.S. or have previous parole.
- Criminal record: Must not have serious criminal offenses or pose a threat to public safety.
- Physical presence of children: Undocumented children must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 17, 2024.
If you meet these criteria, this program could bring significant changes to your life and that of your family.
What documents should you prepare for Parole in Place?
Although the process officially begins on August 19, 2024, it is important to start gathering the necessary documents now. Here is a checklist to help you prepare:
For spouses:
- Marriage certificate: Must prove the legal marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- Identification documents: Driver’s license, passport, birth certificate with a photo, or other forms of identification.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of the spouse: Passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Evidence of continuous residence: Lease agreements, utility bills, rent receipts, bank transactions, school or medical records.
For children:
- Proof of relationship to the undocumented parent: Birth certificate or adoption decree.
- Parents’ marriage certificate: Must validate the marriage between the U.S. citizen and the undocumented parent.
- Evidence of physical presence in the U.S.: School records, medical documents, or any proof showing the child was in the country on June 17, 2024.
Having these documents ready will help ensure a smooth application process without delays.
What additional benefits does this Parole in Place provide?
In addition to protecting undocumented spouses and children, this plan includes measures for college graduates and Dreamers. Eligible individuals may apply for work visas if they meet the following requirements:
- Have obtained a degree from an accredited educational institution in the U.S.
- Have a job offer in their field of study.
This presents a unique opportunity for young people who grew up in the U.S., allowing them to contribute actively to the economy and society.
How does this Parole in Place impact immigrant families?
This policy directly benefits over 500,000 spouses and 50,000 children of U.S. citizens. It also eliminates the uncertainty and fear that many families have faced for years. Now, individuals can apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country, preventing painful and traumatic separations.
What this means for you:
- If you are in this situation, now is the time to act.
- Start organizing your documents and be ready for August 19, 2024.
What steps can you take now?
Even though the official process has not yet started, there are several things you can do now:
- Stay informed: Learn about all the requirements and benefits of the program.
- Organize your documents: Use the checklist above as a guide to gather everything you need.
- Consult an attorney: An immigration law expert can help you prepare a strong application and answer any questions.
This new immigration program represents a significant step toward keeping immigrant families together. If you are an undocumented spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, this is your chance to adjust your status without having to leave the country.
Are you ready to take advantage of this opportunity? Start preparing today and seek legal guidance to ensure your application process is successful.