Keeping Families Together Program
ALERT: On November 7, 2024, the Court in Texas in State of Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, Case Number 24-cv-306 (E.D.T.X. Nov. 7, 2024) ruled that the government lacked the authority to issue this type of parole in place. As a result, the court ordered the termination of the program entirely. This means USCIS will no longer accept any new applications and will cease adjudicating any pending applications under this program.
According to USCIS, the agency is taking the following steps to comply with the court’s order:
Intake of new Form I-131F applications will cease
Pending Form I-131F applications will not be adjudicated
Applicants with an upcoming biometrics appointment should consider the appointment canceled immediately. Applicants who appear for the appointment will be turned away.
Our firm is closely monitoring developments in this case and any potential appeals or policy adjustments that may arise. If you have questions about how this ruling may affect your status or eligibility, we encourage you to contact our office.
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ALERT: On August 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, Case Number 24-cv-306 administratively stayed DHS from granting parole in place under Keeping Families Together for 14 days; the District Court may extend the period of this administrative stay.
While the process is administratively stayed, USCIS will:
Continue to accept filings of Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.
Not grant any pending parole in place requests under Keeping Families Together.
The District Court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the administrative stay order was issued.
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Starting August 19, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the Keeping Families Together Program. This program will allow thousands of undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole-in-place, and if granted, to then apply for work authorization and potentially permanent residence.
Many undocumented immigrants are barred from applying for legal permanent residence unless they leave the U.S. and separate from their families for years. The Keeping Families Together program will give certain spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens the opportunity to apply for legal permanent residence in the United States and remain united with their families while doing so.
To be considered for this discretionary grant of parole in place under Keeping Families Together, you must meet these eligibility criteria:
If you are the noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen:
Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.
If you are the noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen:
Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday;
Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.
Z. Wang & Associates, P. C. consists of experienced Attorneys who are prepared to assist you in applying for this program. Our years of experience in immigration law have allowed us to understand the impact it has on your family. We welcome the opportunity to assist you in removing the obstacles that prevent your family from staying united.