Promoting Family Unity and Stability: Key Updates from DHS

On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced new measures to promote family unity in the immigration process, reflecting the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keeping families together. DHS is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade. If granted, these noncitizens can apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the United States.

Important Dates

USCIS will start accepting applications on August 19. Applications submitted before this date will be rejected. Detailed eligibility criteria and the application process will be published in a forthcoming Federal Register notice.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole, applicants must:

• Be present in the U.S. without admission or parole.
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.
• Be legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
• Have no disqualifying criminal history or pose any threat to national security or public safety.
• Merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

Documentation Required

Start preparing your application by gathering evidence such as:

• Marriage certificate to a U.S. citizen.
• Proof of identity (e.g., state ID, birth certificate, passport).
• Documentation proving continuous U.S. presence for 10 years (e.g., rent receipts, school records, medical records, financial documents).

To stay informed about recent changes such as Parole in Place for spouses and H1-B access for undocumented graduates, visit Immigrant ARC’s latest update here.

Avoiding Scams and Getting Legal Help

Beware of immigration scams. Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can provide legal advice. Do not pay for government forms, and avoid anyone offering services before the Federal Register notice is published. Report any suspicious activities on the USCIS website.

Get Professional Legal Assistance and Stay Informed

For legal assistance and more information, contact Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP for professional help. Avoid scams and get trustworthy guidance from qualified immigration attorneys.

For further updates, create or update your myUSCIS account and visit our Avoid Scams page to protect your information. For more details, visit the USCIS official page.

About The Author

Conrad E. Pollack

Conrad E. Pollack is the Managing Partner and Director of Immigration at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. With over three decades of experience in immigration law, Conrad has helped countless clients achieve their American Dream. Under his leadership, PPID has expanded significantly, opening new offices in Peekskill and Brooklyn, NY. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been recognized for his professional excellence with numerous awards and distinctions. Education: Magna Cum Laude graduate from New York University; J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. Awards: Recipient of numerous professional excellence awards. Memberships: Active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

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