Biden’s Parole In Place Expands To Mixed-Status Families

The Biden administration strives to create more opportunities for undocumented families in the United States. Its recent initiative includes the expansion of Biden’s Parole In Place (PIP), a program that keeps families together and prevents deportation.

This policy enables undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to remain in the country while pursuing legal status. Discover the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how your family can benefit from this updated program.

Overview Of The Military Parole In Place

Parole in Place (PIP) was initially introduced to help undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel. This policy aimed to offer immigration support for veterans and their families, and those of active service members. Eligible individuals can adjust their status without leaving the country, providing temporary relief from deportation.

However, PIP is not a blanket solution. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants parole case-by-case, deciding who qualifies based on individual circumstances. They assess factors such as humanitarian needs or public benefit. This discretion doesn’t guarantee approval, but many undocumented military families have found hope through this pathway.

Over the years, this immigration law for military families demonstrated how it can benefit many individuals closely related to U.S. citizens. The Biden administration has expanded the Parole in Place program, enhancing its scope beyond just military families to support family unity.

New Policy Under The Biden Administration

The Biden administration’s “Keeping Families Together” initiative marks a major expansion of the Military Parole In Place. It aims to extend relief to noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens by giving temporary protections and work permits. Most importantly, it allows them to apply for a lawful permanent residency.

By expanding eligibility, the Biden administration addresses the long-standing presence of mixed-status families who have built their lives in the country. The policy’s focus on family unity reflects the current administration’s priority of preventing unnecessary separation.

With this immigration policy reform, thousands of families can now pursue legal status and stay together. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets specific eligibility requirements to identify beneficiaries of the new policy.

Eligibility Criteria & Documentation

To qualify for the new PIP, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the USCIS. Eligibility slightly varies for spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, but the overall goal is to prove the family connection. As applications are reviewed case-by-case, meeting the required conditions and providing accurate documentation becomes vital.

Noncitizen Spouses

If you are the noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must currently live in the United States without having been admitted or paroled. You must also have continuously resided in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014.

Your marriage to a U.S. citizen must be legally valid and have occurred on or before June 17, 2024. The DHS will review your criminal history, and any threat to public safety, national security, or border security may disqualify you from receiving parole.

You can establish proof of identity with government-issued documents, such as a valid driver’s license, passport, or national ID card. Expired documents are acceptable if they include a clear photo and identity information.

To prove your relationship to the U.S. citizen, provide a marriage certificate or documentation showing the termination of previous marriages. You can also submit evidence such as a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If the spouse is deceased, include a death certificate.

To demonstrate continuous physical presence in the U.S., provide documents such as rent receipts, utility bills, and tax returns. School or hospital records and letters from religious organizations confirming your presence also suffice. DHS may also accept other official documents from immigration authorities indicating your entry date.

Noncitizen Stepchildren

Noncitizen stepchildren must meet additional eligibility requirements beyond admission, continuous physical presence, criminal history, and threats to national security.

They must have been under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024. Additionally, their noncitizen parent must have been married to the U.S. citizen stepparent before the stepchild’s 18th birthday.

Stepchildren can submit applicable documentation as their noncitizen parents for proof of identity and U.S. presence. Additionally, they must present a birth certificate showing their noncitizen parent’s name to show their relationship to the U.S. citizen.

By establishing eligibility and submitting the necessary documentation, families can strengthen their PIP applications. Although this initial process may seem challenging, the benefits of a successful application make the effort worthwhile.

Biden’s PIP General Benefits For Beneficiaries

The expansion of the PIP program offers vital protections for its beneficiaries. It aims to provide them with significant, long-term advantages while living in the United States. Here are the key benefits that PIP beneficiaries can expect:

• Protection From Deportation: PIP shields undocumented spouses and stepchildren from removal proceedings while their applications are being processed.
• Work Authorization: Approved beneficiaries can receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) permits, allowing them to work legally in the U.S.
• Pathway To A Green Card: PIP enables beneficiaries to pursue immigration options such as adjusting their status to obtain a Green Card.
• Reduced Family Separation Risk: The program reduces the likelihood of mixed-status families being torn apart due to immigration issues.
• Legal Stability: While parole is temporary, it provides much-needed legal stability to stay in the country without fear of immediate deportation.

PIP offers a lifeline to those seeking to secure their future in the U.S. by providing essential benefits. To effectively serve its intended beneficiaries, the program streamlined the application process.

The Expanded PIP Application Process

Applying for Biden’s Parole in Place (PIP) is entirely online. Following the outlined steps carefully can ensure a smooth process. Each noncitizen spouse or stepchild must file a separate application through individual USCIS online accounts. USCIS will reject any paper filing it receives.

Step 1: Create A USCIS Online Account

You must create a USCIS online account to file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. This account allows you to manage and track your application. If you apply for a child under 14, a parent or legal guardian can create the account and complete the form on the child’s behalf.

Step 2: Submit The Application

Once your USCIS online account is set up, complete Form I-131F. Fill in all required fields and upload the necessary documents to avoid delays. Remember to submit a separate form for each individual requesting parole. For instance, if you are applying for yourself and your child, file two applications.

Step 3: Provide Biometric Information

After submitting your form, USCIS will ask for biometric information, including fingerprints, photographs, and a signature. These biometrics help verify your identity, check for criminal history, and ensure eligibility. This step is also essential for creating any immigration documents, such as an Employment Authorization Document, if approved.

Step 4: Monitor Your Application

Regularly check your USCIS account after submitting your application. USCIS may request additional documentation or information, so watch for any notices or requests. If they require an interview, you may receive a notification through your USCIS account. Frequently check the status and respond promptly to any updates.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your PIP request is properly submitted and processed. While the process may seem straightforward, proper legal guidance can make a significant difference. If you live in Austin, Texas, consult a local attorney to discuss how the program may impact you.

Impact Of The New PIP On Austin Families

The “Keeping Families Together” initiative brings renewed hope to undocumented spouses and stepchildren in Austin, Texas. Unlike other immigration relief options, PIP does not require applicants to have a pending or approved I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) before applying. This relatively streamlines the process for those seeking relief.

Additionally, individuals in removal proceedings can still apply for PIP, provided they are not considered an enforcement priority by immigration authorities. This is especially important for Austin families facing deportation, as PIP offers a reprieve and opens the door to other legal options.

These changes make the program particularly beneficial for Austin’s growing immigrant population that navigates the immigration system. The new PIP program provides a lifeline to those who have built their lives in the U.S. It offers the legal stability needed to remain in their homes and communities.

By staying informed about these policy updates, Austin families can seize new opportunities to secure their futures and protect their loved ones. With the assistance of a skilled immigration attorney, you can pursue this relief confidently.

Lincoln-Goldfinch Law Advocates Family Immigration

Lincoln-Goldfinch Law keeps families together through compassionate and effective representation. We strongly advocate for family-based immigration and understand the challenges mixed-status families face, working diligently to protect your rights.

With our extensive experience in immigration relief, we streamline the application process under the expanded PIP initiative. Our team carefully reviews each family’s situation, crafting personalized strategies to strengthen applications. We provide compassionate support throughout the process.

Whether securing legal status or preventing deportation, we help you achieve stability in the United States. Our experienced team in Austin, Texas, stands ready to assist if you need guidance on PIP and other immigration options.

Summary

The Biden administration has expanded the Parole in Place (PIP) program to support undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. The policy aims to provide relief, giving temporary protection and work permits. It also allows eligible beneficiaries to become lawful permanent residents.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, submit thorough documentation, and complete online filings. Lincoln-Goldfinch Law strongly recommends seeking legal guidance to boost your application. We provide personalized support to help families navigate immigration challenges and protect family unity.