Family reunification has been a long and frustrating process for many. Applying for permanent residence may require leaving the U.S. The longer an applicant is away from their loved ones, the more they fear for their future. The Department of Homeland Security’s new Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families aims to address this.
The new process allows some noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens to request parole and undergo the process without leaving their families.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible for a discretionary grant of parole if you fit these criteria as of June 17, 2024:
- Staying in the United States with no parole or admission
- Been continuously living in the U.S. for at least 10 years
- Legally and validly married to a U.S. citizen
- Have no disqualifying criminal history
- Not recognized as a threat to public safety or national security
- Merit favorable exercise of discretion
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will start accepting applications on a case-by-case basis on Aug. 19.
What do you need to prepare?
You can start preparing your evidence of eligibility, which includes the following valid documents:
- Legal proof you’re married to a U.S. citizen, like your marriage certificate
- Proof of identification, such as your passport and driver’s license
- Government-issued documents with your name, date of birth and photo
- Proof of your spouse’s citizenship, like their passport or naturalization certificate
- Proof that you’ve continuously stayed in the United States in the past 10 or more years, which can include lease contracts, school records, medical records and insurance policies
Evidence of eligibility you can prepare for your noncitizen children include:
- Proof that they’re a child of a noncitizen parent, like a birth certificate or adoption decree
- Legal proof that their noncitizen parent married a U.S. citizen
- Proof that they’ve been staying in the U.S. as of June 17, 2024
The USCIS warns applicants of immigration scams and recommends only seeking legal support from immigration law attorneys. Consulting an experienced attorney is advisable to ensure you meet all legal requirements.