ECNETNews, New York, NY, Mon. Aug. 19, 2024: The Biden administration has officially launched a new initiative allowing qualified undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to apply for legalization in the United States.
Previously, many undocumented immigrants who wed U.S. citizens faced lengthy barriers to adjusting their status, often requiring departure from the U.S. for over a decade. The newly introduced “Keeping Families Together” executive order by President Biden removes this restriction, enabling eligible individuals to pursue this pathway while remaining in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that this initiative aims to strengthen family connections, boost economic growth in American communities, enhance diplomatic relations, alleviate pressure on U.S. resources, and support national security, public safety, and border security.
USCIS begins accepting applications today, August 19, 2024. Eligible applicants must submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, through a myUSCIS account. There is a $580 application fee, and fee waivers are not available.
To qualify for the “Keeping Families Together” initiative, noncitizen spouses must meet specific criteria:
– Present in the U.S. without admission or parole;
– Continuously physically present in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014;
– Legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
– No disqualifying criminal history and not a threat to public safety or national security;
– Submission of biometrics and completion of background checks.
Non-citizen stepchildren must also meet the following criteria:
– Under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024;
– Present in the U.S. without admission or parole;
– 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;
– No disqualifying criminal history and not a threat to public safety or national security;
– Submission of biometrics and completion of background checks.
DHS estimates that around 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren may be eligible under these criteria. Those granted parole can eventually apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the U.S., provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
USCIS emphasizes its dedication to maintaining program integrity, implementing strong measures to prevent fraud. All submitted evidence will be carefully reviewed to ensure that status adjustments are based only on legitimate marriages.
Ur M. Jaddou, Director of USCIS, stressed the significance of this development, stating, “Noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens often face uncertainty due to obstacles in our immigration system. This process will eliminate those barriers for qualifying individuals, allowing them to live and work lawfully in the U.S. It will also improve the immigration system by ensuring thorough screening while focusing on noncitizens with strong ties to American communities.”