As detailed in a prior Foster Immigration Update, President Biden announced in June his plan to offer a solution for undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. Citizens and have been in the United States for at least ten years. This “Parole-in-Place” program is designed to allow qualifying applicants to apply for work authorization, protection from removal (deportation) from the United States, and the ability to pursue U.S. lawful permanent resident status based on their qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen spouse or child. 

On August 16, 2024, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the publication of its filing guidance for Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. According to the announcement, USCIS will accept Forms I-131F beginning August 19, 2024, and the form will only be available to file online. According to USCIS, its newly published guidance “will help individuals as they prepare to file a request for parole in place through the online process,” and it answers common questions about the process on its Keeping Families Together webpage. USCIS also confirmed that each applicant must file a separate Form I-131F and have their own USCIS online account. 

 Applicants who require assistance in navigating the application process for Parole-in-Place should contact a qualified immigration attorney for help. Foster attorneys are ready to assist applicants with Form I-131F filings.  Foster will continue to monitor developments in U.S. immigration law and will make future updates available via the Foster website at www.fosterglobal.com.