On June 18, 2024, President Joe Biden announced a significant new policy aimed at the undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens and their children —the Parole-in-Place (PIP) program. This transformative policy targets approximately 550,000 undocumented spouses and their minor children, granting them temporary protection and work authorization, facilitating the green card application process without the need for these families to leave the United States.
Under U.S. immigration laws, spouses of U.S. citizens typically qualify for permanent residency if they have entered the country legally. However, those who entered illegally face stringent barriers: they must either spend up to a decade abroad or secure a waiver to the standard reentry ban, a process fraught with lengthy family separations and considerable uncertainty during consular process.
The new Parole-in-Place program seeks to mitigate these hardships by allowing eligible undocumented spouses to adjust their status within the U.S., thus simplifying the green card application process and significantly reducing the risk of family separation. Moreover, even if the policy is later rescinded, individuals who have already been granted parole would still be able to pursue permanent residency without leaving the country.
Eligibility for this policy requires continuous residence in the U.S. for at least ten years as of June 17, 2024, a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen, and no significant criminal record or threat to national security. Detailed application procedures, including required forms and fees, will soon be published in the Federal Register Notice, setting the stage for the official rollout of this program.
This policy represents a critical step toward addressing the complexities faced by multinational families within the U.S., offering not just legal status but stability and protection for immigrants and their families with U.S. citizen spouses and children. It underscores a commitment to family unity and provides a practical path to regularization for many who have long lived in the shadows.
For more detailed information or to seek consultation, interested parties are encouraged to contact the appropriate services or call at 201-461-0031.
Related article : https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/biden-parole-place-announcement-helping-mixed-status-families-stay-together
