Parole-in-Place is a new program under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that can help families stay together during the immigration process. If granted, noncitizens without admission or parole can remain in the United States while applying for permanent residence.
Who can apply?
Noncitizens who:
- Are married to a U.S. citizen (before June 17, 2024).
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years without admission or parole.
- Are qualified for permanent residence or green card.
- Do not have a disqualifying criminal history or record.
Noncitizen children of applicants can also be considered if they are physically present in the U.S. without official admission or parole. Applications will start on August 19, 2024. USCIS will share more information in a Federal Register Notice and on the “Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families” webpage.
How can you prepare?
Although you can’t apply yet, you can start preparing your documents. To show your eligibility, you need to present:
- Proof of marriage to a U.S. citizen (as of June 17, 2024), such as a marriage certificate.
- Any government-issued document proving your identity, such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
- Proof of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as their birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization.
- Documents that prove you have been in the U.S. for at least ten years, such as copies of rent receipts, school records, etc.).
If your kids are not yet U.S. citizens, you must also prepare their documents. This includes:
- Proof of relation to the noncitizen parent (such as a birth certificate or adoption papers).
- Proof that the child has been in the United States before June 17, 2024.
If you are interested in applying, the USCIS strongly suggests creating or updating your myUSCIS account.
Preparation is key
The new Parole-in-Place program can allow noncitizen spouses to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country and their families. Use the time before August 19 to prepare your documents, stay updated, and seek legal counsel if necessary.