Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens to Receive New Legal Protections Under Biden Plan

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
‘WASHINGTON, DC- On June 18, 2024, the Biden administration announced a new policy granting temporary legal status and a potential path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. Known as “parole in place” (PIP), this initiative by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to promote family unity, aligning with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keeping families together.

Under PIP, noncitizen spouses who have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years can apply for parole, allowing them to seek lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. This policy is expected to protect around half a million spouses and approximately 50,000 undocumented children under 21.

To qualify, applicants must have been continuously present in the U.S. for at least a decade, be married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, and have no disqualifying criminal history. DHS may also consider noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

USCIS will start accepting applications after August 19, 2024. Successful applicants will receive an I-94 travel record, enabling them to apply for a green card and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. Detailed eligibility criteria and application processes will be published in an upcoming Federal Register notice.