Any Questions?
We are ready to answer all your questions. Just fill the form and we will call you soon.
DHS Announces Measures for Family Unity
On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new measures to promote family unity in the immigration process, aligning with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keeping families together. DHS will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade. If granted parole, these individuals can apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the U.S.
USCIS will start accepting applications on August 19, and any applications submitted before this date will be rejected. Detailed eligibility criteria and the application process will be published in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Presence in the U.S. without admission or parole.
- Continuous presence in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.
- Legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
- No disqualifying criminal history or threats to national security/public safety.
- Otherwise meriting a favorable exercise of discretion.
Noncitizen children of requestors may also be considered if they were physically present in the U.S. without admission or parole and have a qualifying stepchild relationship to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
Preparation Steps: Individuals can start preparing by gathering evidence of eligibility, including:
- Proof of a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen (marriage certificate).
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, etc.).
- Evidence of spouse’s U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization).
- Documentation of continuous presence in the U.S. for at least 10 years (rent receipts, school records, medical records, attestations by organizations, financial documents, etc.).
- For noncitizen children, evidence of eligibility could include birth certificates, adoption decrees, marriage certificates, and evidence of the child’s presence in the U.S.
Scam Prevention: USCIS warns against immigration scams and advises not to pay for government forms, which are available for free. Legal services should only be sought from licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Red flags for unethical practitioners include guaranteed outcomes, predatory pricing, and requests for blank or unchecked signed documents. USCIS will only contact individuals through official government channels and encourages reporting of any suspicious activities.
USCIS is committed to protecting the integrity of the immigration system and advises the public to report immigration fraud and abuse. For further information, visit the USCIS website or follow them on social media platforms.
As an experienced immigration attorney, I am here to help you navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration procedures. Whether you need assistance with asylum, residency, citizenship, or any other immigration process, my team and I are dedicated to providing you with the support and knowledge you need. Contact my office today to ensure you are prepared for these changes and to successfully navigate your immigration journey. Call my office today to schedule a consultation to get started.
