The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a commencement date, for receiving applications for Parole in Place intended for citizen spouses of U.S. Citizens. This piece offers a summary of the parole in place policy and its background drawing attention to its resemblance to initiatives such as parole in place and DACA.
Parole in Place is an initiative that provides legal status to specific non citizens present in the United States without admission or parole. Initially designed to tackle the difficulties encountered by families, non citizen spouses of active duty military members this program has since broadened to encompass other groups of non citizens.
Like programs such as parole in place and DACA individuals granted Parole in Place will be shielded from deportation. Will have the chance to seek work authorization. The protections and work permits typically remain valid for, up to three years with extensions granted later if approved.
The origins of Parole, in Place trace back to 2007 when it was initially introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that non citizen spouses of U.S. Citizens serving in the military could adjust their immigration status without having to leave the country. This was a measure taken to prevent the separation of families due to immigration related challenges.
Over time the program has developed to offer assistance to citizen spouses of U.S. Citizens who are not affiliated with the military but still encounter difficulties. In an announcement USCIS has specified the commencement date for accepting applications for Parole in Place, which is scheduled to start on August 19.
To qualify for the program applicants must fulfill the conditions;
1. Reside in the U.S. Without official admission or parole.
2. Maintain presence in the U.S. For least 10 years as of June 17 2024.
3. Have a marriage with a U.S. Citizen by June 17 2024.
4. Possess no disqualifying record. Pose a threat, to national security or public safety.
5. Warrant an exercise of discretion.
Moreover USCIS may evaluate parole in place for citizen children of eligible petitioners who meet certain criteria.
The program is designed to assist and safeguard individuals and their families enabling them to stay in the United States.
It's crucial for applicants to begin collecting the evidence of qualification and stay informed, about any updates or advancements related to the parole in place initiative. USCIS will share details on eligibility requirements and the application process in a Federal Register notice. Its recommended that interested individuals keep themselves updated through sources like BAL.
In brief, Parole in Place has proven to be an initiative that addresses the challenges faced by non citizen spouses of U.S. Citizens. It provides protection from deportation. Allows for the application of work authorization to other successful programs such as military parole in place and DACA. The recent announcement from USCIS setting August 19 2024 as the start date for parole in place applications by citizen spouses highlights the importance of this program in fostering family unity and offering temporary legal status to those, in need.
`
