On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a new new process, considered on a case-by-case basis, requests for certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens called parole in place (PIP).
PIP is a form of immigration relief for people without status living in the U.S. If parole is granted, the recipient receives work authorization and protection from deportation for a certain period of time. PIP is already available for undocumented spouses and parents of active-duty or retired military personnel but the Biden administration is expanding it.
PIP is important — people who have not be “admitted” to the U.S. (meaning, entered without documentation/inspection/illegally) will be treated as “admitted.” If they’re otherwise eligible, they should be able to apply for permanent resident status (a green card) without leaving the country.
The Biden administration has not made specific details public, but the general criteria for spouses have been released. To be eligible for PIP, applicants must: (1) Be present in the US without admission or parole, (2) Have been present in the U.S. for at least 10 years prior to June 17, 2024, (3) Be legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024; and, (4) Have no disqualifying criminal history, nor be a threat to national security or public safety.
If granted, recipients should be allowed to stay and have work authorization in the U.S. and possibly become eligible to file for permanent resident status. The application process has not been announced though we hope it is possible by the end of summer.
Once concern is that there is a possibility that a lawsuit could halt this program and this program can end abruptly if there is a change in administration in 2024.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to consider speaking with our office, please do not hesitate to contact us.