News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Aug. 19, 2024: The Biden administration today began accepting applications from qualified undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens, for consideration of legalization in the U.S.
Many undocumented immigrants who marry U.S. citizens were previously barred from adjusting their status. Unless they leave the U.S. for often 10 years or more. If they stay in the United States, they remain undocumented. Moreover, they do not have the opportunity to work legally, and live at risk of deportation. The “Keeping Families Together” executive order, announced recently by President Biden, removes that barrier and lets these individuals adjust status and use this pathway from within the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the implementation of the initiative, that “seeks to promote stronger family bonds, contribute to the economic prosperity of American communities, enhance diplomatic relationships in the region, reduce strain on U.S. resources, and further national security, public safety, and border security goals.”
USCIS will begin accepting applications from eligible Undocumented Immigrant individuals starting today, August 19, 2024. Applicants must file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online through a myUSCIS account. The application fee is $580, and fee waivers will not be accepted.
To qualify for the Keeping Families Together process, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens must meet the following criteria:
- Be present in the U.S. without admission or parole;
- Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014;
- Be legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
- Have no disqualifying criminal history and not be deemed a threat to public safety or national security;
- Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks.
For non-citizen step-children of Undocumented Immigrants, the criteria are:
- Be under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024;
- Be present in the U.S. without admission or parole;
- Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2024;
- Have a noncitizen parent legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18th birthday;
- Have no disqualifying criminal history and not be deemed a threat to public safety or national security;
- Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks.
- DHS estimates that approximately 500,000 (Undocumented Immigrants) noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren may qualify under these criteria. Those granted parole may eventually apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the U.S. Provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
USCIS emphasizes its commitment to program integrity, including robust measures to prevent fraud. The agency will rigorously review all submitted evidence. They will ensure that only legally valid marriages form the basis for any status adjustments.
Ur M. Jaddou, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), highlighted the importance of this move, stating, “Too often, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens – many of them mothers and fathers – live with uncertainty due to undue barriers in our immigration system. This process will remove these barriers for those who qualify, enabling them to live and work lawfully in the U.S. It will also streamline the immigration system, ensuring effective screening and vetting while focusing on noncitizens with deep ties to American communities across the country.”
See all details at https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether
