DHS has announced the implementation of the Keeping Families Together process, which allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who are in the United States without formal admission or parole to request parole in place under existing statutory authority. DHS started using Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, to manage these requests on August 19, 2024.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and required documentation, please visit the Keeping Families Together page, the FAQ page, or refer to the Federal Register notice.
To be eligible, noncitizen spouses must have a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen and meet specific continuous presence and security criteria, while stepchildren must be unmarried and under 21, also meeting similar requirements. Applications were submitted online using Form I-131F with a $580 fee. Those granted parole can then apply for employment authorization with Form I-765.
Please visit these websites below to have more information about Keeping Families Together process:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/20/2024-18725/implementation-of-keeping-families-together
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/USCIS-Filing-Guide-Form-I-131F.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether/faq
https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether
Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq.
Kulen Law Firm, P.C.
