Biden’s Parole In Place Protects Mixed-Status Families

The Biden administration’s Parole in Place (PIP) program brings hope to many mixed-status families in the United States. This initiative protects noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens from the constant threat of separation. It provides them with protection and a path to residency.

PIP creates a valuable opportunity for American families by addressing critical immigration challenges. Discover the key aspects of this new policy, including its eligibility criteria and the required documentation. Learn how the program can benefit you and provide a new chance for stability.

Understanding Parole In Place (PIP)

PIP is a temporary immigration benefit that allows foreign nationals without legal authorization to stay in the United States for a specified period. With this, beneficiaries can stay and work in the country and avoid penalties for unlawful entry.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formally introduced PIP as a policy in 2013. Initially, the program was available for eligible family members of military personnel, active or deceased, and aimed to protect them.

Throughout its history, PIP consistently prioritized maintaining family unity. The program recently gained more attention due to significant updates the U.S. government plans to implement. With its new provisions, PIP aims to help even more American families stay together.

Navigating  The 2024 PIP Program

In June 2024, President Biden announced new measures to broaden access to the PIP program. This policy shift intends to make PIP more inclusive and responsive to the pressing needs of mixed-status families. USCIS begins accepting applications under the updated guidelines on August 19, 2024.

Target Beneficiaries

The new policy primarily targets certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), approximately 500,000 foreign spouses could benefit from the expanded program. On average, these beneficiaries have lived in the United States for 23 years.

Additionally, qualified individuals may apply for protection for their children. Around 50,000 undocumented children of these noncitizen spouses are projected to be eligible under this program.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a discretionary parole grant under this process, the following requirements must be met:

• Physical Presence: Residing in the United States without admission or parole.
• Continuous Residence: Uninterrupted stay in the U.S. for at least ten years as of June 17, 2024.
• Valid Marriage: Legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024. 
• Clean Criminal Record: No disqualifying criminal history threatening national security or public safety is allowed.

Noncitizen children of applicants may also be eligible, provided they meet specific criteria as of June 17, 2024. These include being unmarried, under 21, and having a legally valid stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen. They must also maintain a physical presence and have a clean record in the United States.

These criteria are intended to support individuals with deep ties to the United States and those with a strong case for remaining in the country. USCIS requires solid proof from applicants to establish eligibility under these guidelines.

Supporting Evidence For Eligibility

Presenting comprehensive evidence is critical to demonstrating eligibility. Essential documents include a marriage certificate that proves a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen. Additionally, paperwork verifying your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization, is helpful.

To establish your continuous presence in the United States, you can submit documents like rent receipts, utility bills, school or medical records, or tax returns. For your noncitizen children, provide evidence such as their birth certificates, adoption decrees, and a marriage certificate to your U.S. citizen spouse.

These changes in the PIP program offer a much-needed reprieve for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens and their families. This implementation aims to mark a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and address numerous challenges for beneficiaries.

Highlighting The New Policy’s Significance

The program updates tackle some of the most significant hurdles noncitizen spouses and their children face. Although they theoretically qualify for Green Cards, they are frequently hindered by bureaucratic challenges. The new policy aims to resolve risky or difficult immigration obstacles, offering an easier path to becoming lawful permanent residents.

Exclusively Through Online Applications

To apply for PIP, you must use the USCIS online system. Submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, directly through your USCIS account. Each beneficiary must file a separate form using their USCIS online account to complete and submit their application.

The USCIS online system simplifies the process by automatically identifying the required documents. This streamlined approach ensures you meet all requirements and avoid missing critical steps.

Optimizes Protocol Following Grant & Departure

Once USCIS approves your Form I-131F, you’ll receive a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record confirming your parole status. Note that this form does not permit reentry into the United States. You risk denial of entry if you leave the country without an Advance Parole Document from USCIS.

Your PIP will automatically terminate upon departure if you don’t have a valid Advance Parole Document. This caution helps avoid potential issues and ensures you comply with immigration regulations while managing your status adjustment.

Eliminates The Need For Consular Processing

A significant change in the program is that eligible individuals no longer have to leave the United States to apply for an immigrant visa. Previously, individuals who entered without inspection were required to return to their home countries for consular processing. 

With the new PIP program, you can now adjust your status while remaining in the United States. This change reduces the risks associated with the process and alleviates a significant emotional and financial burden on families.

Reduces The Risk Of Prolonged Separation

The previous process frequently led to prolonged separations for families, as it often triggered a reentry bar designed to deter illegal immigration. In reality, this bar causes significant hardship for families seeking to reunite legally. With no guarantee of visa approval, many households faced the agonizing prospect of separation.

This new policy allows you and your loved ones to stay together during the application process, bypassing the reentry bar entirely. It provides significant relief for those who have spent years fearing long periods apart from their families.

The new policy represents a significant shift in addressing the immigration challenges impacting noncitizen spouses directly. As its new provisions take shape, it’s equally important to recognize the concrete benefits they bring to those eligible for Biden’s PIP. 

Exploring Biden’s Parole In Place Benefits

The expanded PIP program provides new levels of security that have been inaccessible for noncitizen spouses and their families for too long. Here’s an overview of the critical advantages the program offers.

Protection From Deportation

The new policy provides significant relief for families fearing deportation. By granting discretionary parole, the U.S. government protects eligible individuals from removal for up to three years. It keeps the family together and protects the well-being of each member.

Employment Authorization & Stability

Beyond deportation relief, the PIP program also offers noncitizen spouses the chance to obtain work permits. Approved applicants can immediately apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. This increases your job opportunities and allows you to contribute to household income and improve your family’s quality of life.

Reliable Pathway To Permanent Residency

The new policy’s key long-term benefit includes a more reliable route to lawful permanent residency. While PIP does not grant Green Cards directly, it allows eligible spouses to adjust their status without leaving the United States. Recipients will have a three-year window to apply for permanent residency under the program.

These benefits provide an essential lifeline for families to build a stable and secure future together. To fully capitalize on these advantages, avoid leaving your application to chance. Seeking legal guidance is essential for a smooth process and favorable outcome.

Entrusting Lozano Law Firm To Reunite Families

Biden’s PIP offers renewed hope for eligible individuals to receive permanent residency. Legal support to navigate this new program is readily available. Lozano Law Firm helps you achieve a permanent solution to your immigration problems. We guide you through initiatives like the PIP to secure lawful status.

Our experienced team assists with preparing your application and those of your eligible family members. We handle essential documentation and manage the paperwork to strengthen your case with immigration authorities. With our extensive experience in immigration matters, your application is in capable hands.

Beyond the initial application, we provide continued support to ensure you fully maximize the benefits of the parole program. Remember, you don’t have to handle this immigration relief alone. Let us help you and your family move toward a secure future.

Summary

Biden’s Parole In Place helps keep mixed-status families together in the United States. It allows certain undocumented family members of U.S. citizens to remain in the country while adjusting their status. The policy also provides temporary legal status and work authorization, offering eligible individuals protection from deportation. 

With the proper guidance and support, you can take full advantage of this opportunity to secure a stable future for your family. Lozano Law Firm is your trusted partner in navigating this relief. We help you build a robust application and offer ongoing support to ensure your confidence.