Parole for Undocumented Spouses and Children of Citizens
PROCESS TO PROMOTE FAMILY UNITY AND STABILITY – EXECUTIVE ACTIONS
What Does Parole in Place Mean?
A “Parole in Place” (PIP) process is a discretionary option offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immediate family members—such as spouses, parents, or children—of United States citizens. In this case, the executive actions announced by President Biden refer specifically to spouses and children of U.S. citizens.
Executive Action Called Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses and Children
On June 18, 2024, the White House announced a future executive action that President Biden will establish for the benefit of close family members—specifically spouses and children of United States citizens who are currently in the United States without legal status.
This executive action, called Parole in Place (PIP), allows certain undocumented spouses and children to obtain legal status in the United States and provides a path to apply for permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card.
How Will the Parole for Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens Work?
This executive action by President Biden establishes an immigration benefit that facilitates legal status for spouses and children of U.S. citizens who are physically present in the United States without documentation. It allows them to obtain legal protection, a work permit, a Social Security number, and a pathway toward permanent residency in the United States.
Who Could Qualify for the Parole in Place Program?
Individuals who may be eligible for this executive action are undocumented persons who meet the following criteria:
- Be physically present in the United States before June 17, 2024.
- Be legally married in good faith to a United States citizen.
- Not represent any type of threat to the public or national security of the United States.
- Be able to demonstrate and maintain good moral character.
- Have filed their taxes and be up to date with tax payments.
- Have maintained physical presence and lived in the United States for at least 10 consecutive years or more.
- Each Case Will Be Reviewed Individually
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will review each case to approve applicant benefits, which is why it is important to have your documentation in order. If you believe you meet the requirements and could qualify, it is essential to consult and seek the help and representation of a registered immigration attorney in your area.
AVOID IMMIGRATION FRAUD FROM PEOPLE WHO PRETEND TO BE IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS.
Gather All Evidence for the Parole in Place Program
It is essential to organize and gather all evidence to demonstrate that you have a legitimate marriage, known in English as a bona fide marriage, and that you may qualify for this program. Remember that this program is not yet in effect and the details have not been finalized. However, if you or a member of your family believes you may qualify, schedule an appointment with our immigration law firm, Progresso Legal Group. The evaluation and consultation are completely free.
Possible Evidence for the Parole in Place Program
- Marriage Certificate
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship of the petitioning spouse
- Beneficiary’s Birth Certificate
- Proof of Termination of All Previous Marriages (copy of death certificate, divorce decree, or annulment)
- Passport-style color photograph of your spouse taken within the last six months
- Checklist for Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage (May Include):
- Documentation showing joint ownership of property, especially a shared residence (certified copies of deeds, property purchase documents, vehicle title records)
- Lease agreements, rent receipts, or letters showing shared residence
- Documentation showing commingling of financial resources (joint bank accounts, credit cards, utility bills, phone bills)
- Birth certificates of children born from the marriage
- Copies of jointly filed tax returns (be prepared to explain any failure to file jointly)
- Wedding photos, photo albums, letters, and other memories that demonstrate a genuine relationship over time, before and after marriage
- Documentation of shared benefits (life insurance policies, health and retirement benefits)
Creating a Family Emergency Plan for a Possible Deportation
- Designate a Trusted Contact: Choose someone reliable to handle emergency tasks, such as picking up children from school.
- Organize Important Documents: Store passports, birth certificates, and immigration papers in a secure and accessible location, and let a trusted person know where they are stored.
- Set Up a Power of Attorney: This legal document allows a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf, such as managing finances or caring for children if you are unavailable.
Children of Spouses with Temporary Parole
Individuals who wish to be eligible and are children (who are not U.S. citizens) of spouses who qualify and are granted Parole in Place may also be considered for these benefits. The children must maintain physical presence in the United States without legal admission or parole and must prove a qualifying stepchild relationship with a United States citizen considered a stepfather or stepmother, as defined by immigration and nationality law, as of the June 17, 2024 deadline.
About Progresso Legal Group Our firm, Progresso Legal Group, has the mission of continuing to protect families as we have done for more than 25 years, one family at a time, providing legal representation.
We are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals in criminal defense, deportation defense, immigration cases, and family law matters. We are located in the heart of Los Angeles, near the courts, in front of Loyola Law School on Olympic Blvd. We are community attorneys ready to serve those who are not citizens and who do not understand the laws in the United States.
Our commitment is both legal and moral: to serve one family at a time as if it were our own.
Criminal Background for the Parole in Place Program
Individuals who wish to apply for the benefits of the Parole in Place program must maintain a clean criminal record in the United States. Applicants must not have criminal records that could make them inadmissible or ineligible, disqualify them, or classify them as a threat to U.S. national security. Applicants cannot be on probation and must not have crimes involving moral turpitude that could affect their Parole in Place application. Additionally, they must merit a favorable exercise of discretion from USCIS officers.
Application Process for Parole in Place
To be considered for the Parole in Place temporary protection program, a person must:
- Submit a form to USCIS along with supporting documentation demonstrating that they meet the requirements mentioned above.
Pay the Parole in Place filing fee.
The final details of the Parole in Place Program have not yet been finalized. Soon, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish updated information about eligibility and the application process. This information will include a notice in the Federal Register.
It is important to note that some individuals try to get ahead of the process, which can result in scams. USCIS will reject any application submitted before the official start date of the application process, which will be announced later this summer.
Evaluation of All Parole in Place Applications
Once a properly prepared application package is received and submitted, USCIS will evaluate each case individually to determine whether it qualifies and justifies the Parole in Place benefit and temporary permission to remain in the United States.
This careful evaluation will be based on significant public benefit, compelling humanitarian reasons, and whether the applicant merits a favorable exercise of discretion. Applications will consider:
- The applicant’s immigration history and prior criminal record
- Any criminal background inside and outside the United States
- The results of the applicant’s background checks
- National and public security investigations of the applicant
- Any relevant information available to USCIS
For more information and assistance with your application, contact Progresso Legal Group. Act now and secure your future with the help of Progresso Legal Group.
Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams
At Progresso Legal Group, our greatest goal is to keep families together by protecting them from deportation in the United States—one family at a time—and helping protect them from immigration scams that occur every day.
For this reason, we evaluate each case individually, and every case receives a thorough and complete evaluation before we accept it, including review and guidance from our immigration attorneys.
At that time, we establish high-quality individualized legal representation. Remember that only an attorney can represent another person in a legal process. Our intention is to ensure that you do not become a victim of immigration fraud, which is why we share this information with our community.
Immigration Scams
Immigration scams are very common, and many people pretend to be attorneys or claim to have connections with the Department of Immigration. It is important to be cautious and not pay any money in advance to anyone offering immigration-related services without verifying their legitimacy.
In particular, if you have questions about the Parole in Place program, remember that many details are still pending and it has not yet been fully defined by the immigration authorities.
Make sure that the attorney or representative is in good standing and check their license before hiring them. Many attorneys who engage in misconduct are suspended for malpractice, and information about their license status is publicly available.
Attached we share information about attorney Zahra H. Rawje, who is the lead attorney and owner of Progresso Legal Group.
Remember that to receive legal advice regarding immigration matters, the person assisting you must be accredited and legally authorized to provide legal advice and representation. Immigration processes are federal, not state matters, and many attorneys are licensed in different states.
Only an attorney licensed by a state bar or an accredited representative from a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, officially recognized by the Department of Justice, can provide legal advice in certain immigration matters.
Always verify the credentials of anyone offering help with your immigration process to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
Common Immigration Scams
Government Officer Impersonators
Be careful of individuals who pretend to be officers from USCIS. USCIS will only contact you through official government channels and not through social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.
Fraudulent Websites
Some websites claim to be affiliated with USCIS and offer guidance on completing applications. Make sure your information comes from uscis.gov, dhs.gov, or websites affiliated with uscis.gov. Verify that the website address ends in .gov.
Payments by Phone or Email
Never provide banking information—such as credit cards, bank accounts, Zelle, Apple Pay, or prepaid cards—to strangers. USCIS will never request payments through Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or gift cards. They will also never ask you to pay fees to a person over the phone or by email.
Notaries and Unauthorized Professionals
In the United States, a notary public is not an attorney and is not authorized by the bar association or the federal government to provide legal services or represent individuals in immigration matters. Only an attorney or an accredited representative legally recognized by the Department of Justice and the bar association may represent you and provide legal advice in immigration proceedings.
Questions and Answers About the Parole Program for Undocumented Spouses and Children
What is Parole in Place (PIP)?
Parole in Place (PIP) is a discretion offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain immediate family members of U.S. citizens to obtain temporary legal status in the country.
Who qualifies for Parole in Place?
Spouses and children of U.S. citizens who were physically present in the United States before June 17, 2024, and who meet certain security and good moral character requirements may qualify.
What benefits does Parole in Place offer?
PIP allows beneficiaries to obtain a work permit, a Social Security number, and a pathway toward permanent residency.
What are the requirements for Parole in Place?
Applicants must have been in the United States before June 17, 2024, be married to a U.S. citizen, not represent a threat to public safety, and demonstrate good moral character.
What documents are needed to apply for Parole in Place?
Proof of a legitimate marriage, citizenship of the petitioning spouse, the beneficiary’s birth certificate, and additional documentation demonstrating the relationship and shared residence are required.
How does Parole in Place affect deportation?
PIP provides protection against deportation for beneficiaries who meet the requirements and allows them to apply for permanent residency.
What happens if I have a criminal record?
Individuals with significant criminal records may not be eligible for PIP. Each case will be evaluated individually by USCIS.
How much does it cost to apply for Parole in Place?
Fees have not yet been finalized. USCIS will publish details about the costs and the application process soon.
Can children of spouses qualify for Parole in Place?
Yes, undocumented children of spouses who qualify may be considered to receive PIP benefits if they meet the requirements.
What marriage evidence is required?
Marriage certificates, documents showing joint property ownership, lease agreements, joint bank accounts, and photos demonstrating a genuine relationship are required.
How can I avoid immigration scams?
Make sure that your legal advisor is accredited and legally authorized. Verify their credentials and avoid paying money in advance without confirming their legitimacy.
How is the Parole in Place application submitted?
You must submit a form to USCIS with the necessary supporting documentation demonstrating that you meet the requirements.
How does Progresso Legal Group help with Parole in Place?
Progresso Legal Group offers evaluation and comprehensive legal advice to help you prepare and submit your PIP application.
What happens if my Parole in Place application is denied?
If your application is rejected, you may appeal the decision or explore other legal options with the help of an immigration attorney.
How long does the Parole in Place process take?
Processing time varies depending on the case. USCIS will evaluate each application individually.
How does someone demonstrate good moral character?
Good moral character is demonstrated through the submission of documents such as proof of paid taxes, letters of recommendation, and a clean criminal record.
What happens if I have not lived in the United States for 10 consecutive years?
Continuous residence is an important factor, but not an exclusive one. Each case will be evaluated individually by USCIS.
How does Parole in Place affect my permanent residency application?
PIP may facilitate the process of obtaining permanent residency, as it provides temporary legal status that may serve as a step toward obtaining a Green Card.
Where can I get more information about Parole in Place?
For more information and assistance with your application, visit the Progresso Legal Group website or contact our immigration attorneys. Act now and secure your future with the help of Progresso Legal Group!
Our Mission
At Progresso Legal Group, our mission is to serve families every day—especially those who are less fortunate and do not speak English. We provide personalized assistance to our Latino community in their own language, treating them as if they were our own family.
As immigrants, we understand the importance of keeping families together and the challenges of legalizing immigration status in the United States. We are committed to offering the legal support necessary to overcome these obstacles.
Our Services
As leading immigration attorneys in Los Angeles, Progresso Legal Group offers comprehensive support in all areas of immigration law, including:
- Asylum applications
- Work visas
- Family petitions
- Adjustment of status
- Deportation defense
Our goal is to help you navigate the complex immigration system with confidence and peace of mind.
Immigration law is complex, rigorous, and constantly evolving. It is governed by complicated federal regulations that control the movement of people from one country to another and provide benefits for those who qualify and seek to remain legally in the United States.
This may include becoming permanent residents, obtaining citizenship, or defending against deportation.
At Progresso Legal Group, we are dedicated to providing the best legal advice and representation to help you overcome these challenges and achieve your immigration goals.
Trusted Immigration Legal Services
For more information about how to find reliable legal services, visit the Progresso Legal Group website. We are committed to protecting your rights and providing the best possible legal guidance.
Act Now
Do not wait any longer. Call Progresso Legal Group today and protect your rights with the help of the best immigration attorneys in Los Angeles. Our dedication and experience make us your best option. Contact us now and take the first step toward a secure and legal future in the United States.