Family Unity Parole in Place

Through the Family Unity Parole in Place, certain undocumented foreigners have the opportunity to stay in the US and obtain a Green Card .

Our Los Angeles, California immigration attorneys at Lluis Law have extensive experience and knowledge in parole processes and the “Keeping Families Together” program. 

We understand how important it is for you and your family to remain united and regularize your immigration status. That is why we are here to provide you with the legal advice you need.

What is the Family Unity Parole in Place Program in 2024 and what is its purpose?

The Keeping Families Together program is an immigration relief that allows certain spouses and stepchildren of American citizens to apply for a temporary stay permit (Parole). 

This enables them to remain in the United States while they apply for lawful permanent residence. 

Additionally, they will not have to leave the country and face the 10-year re-entry bar that would otherwise apply.

The program serves as a significant solution to prevent family separation and the uncertainty that many families face as these immigrants adjust their status.

Why was the program to keep families together created?

This program was created to address the legalization challenges faced by undocumented spouses and stepchildren of US citizens.

Under the laws in effect, many spouses are not eligible to adjust their status within the US because of their illegal entry. They are therefore forced to leave the country and undergo a process abroad that can result in a reentry bar. 

This process is long and puts family unity at risk, leaving many families in a precarious situation.

As a result, the “Keeping Families Together” program was designed by the Biden administration as a relief measure to prevent the separation of these families.

Requirements for Family Unity Parole in Place

To qualify for family-based Parole in Place, you must first be the spouse or stepchild of an American citizen. If you are, then you must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

• Being present in the United States without having been lawfully admitted or granted parole;
• Have resided continuously in the United States since at least June 17, 2014;
• Not have a disqualifying criminal record and not represent a threat to public, national or border security;
• Undergo background checks, submit biometrics, and pass required security investigations.

Specific Requirements

Spouses of US citizens 

Be in a legally valid marriage to a US citizen on or before June 17, 2024. 

It is important to keep in mind the issue of divorce, as it could affect your eligibility. For more information, please check our blog: “What happens if I get divorced before the Green Card interview”.

Stepchildren of US citizens

• Have been under 21 years of age and single on June 17, 2024; and
• Having a foreign parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a US citizen before you turned 18.

In both cases, the applicants must prove, through evidence, that they meet all the requirements necessary to obtain Parole in Place for Family Unity.

How do I apply for Family Unity Parole in Place?

To apply for Family Unity Parole in Place, you must follow these steps:

1# Complete Form I-131F

Beginning August 19, 2024, all applicants must file Form I-131F online with USCIS . 

Be sure to complete all required fields and attach the required evidence according to the instructions provided on the form. 

If you are not sure you can do it well on your own, do not hesitate to contact our attorneys at Lluis Law. It can save you a headache and increase your chances of success.

2# Payment of Fees

You will need to pay the filing fee of $580. 

Note: There is no fee waiver option for this form.

3# USCIS Online Account

Applicants must have their own USCIS online account to file the form.

If the applicant is a minor under 14 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may create and manage the account on their behalf. 

However, you must provide your information in the “preparer” section of the form.

4# Documentation Review

Please review the Federal Register notice and other official resources for details on required documentation to demonstrate compliance with eligibility criteria.

5# Sending the Request

Once you have completed the form and gathered all your documentation, file your application online through your USCIS account.

What happens after I apply for Parole in Place for Family Unity?

After you apply for the “Keeping Families Together” Parole in Place, you will be asked to provide your biometric data: 

Fingerprints, photographs, a signature and others. 

This will allow them to verify your criminal record and determine your eligibility.

• If you are granted permission, you could receive up to 3 years of temporary stay (parole in place) and a work permit. 
• If you get a denial, a deportation order will not automatically be issued unless you are considered a threat to national security.

Note: You can also get a Social Security Number (SSN) after you get an employment authorization. Check your Form I-765 instructions or contact our attorneys for further details.

What documents do I need to apply for the “Keeping Families Together” program?

• Evidence of a legally valid marriage to a US citizen as of June 17, 2024. This can be a marriage certificate;
• Identification documents. This could be a driver’s license or your current passport;
• Birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID;
• Any government-issued document that includes name, date of birth and photograph;
• Evidence of your spouse’s US citizenship. Acceptable documents include a US passport and certificate of naturalization;
• Documentation proving continuous presence in the United States for at least 10 years. Examples of documents include utility bills, school records, etc. 

Note: If you have noncitizen children, you will need to submit evidence of the child’s relationship to the noncitizen applicant, as well as evidence of the child’s presence in the United States as of June 17, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Unity Parole in Place

For what reasons can my Keeping Families Together parole be terminated?

Your temporary stay permit in the country through “Keeping Families Together” may be cancelled for the following reasons:

• Leaving the United States: If you leave the country, your permit is automatically canceled.
• Expiration of permit: If your permit period comes to an end, it is cancelled.
• DHS Decision: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may cancel your permit at any time at its discretion.

Can I travel outside the United States with the “Keeping Families Together” Parole in Place?

Travel outside the United States with this permit is not recommended. If you do, it will automatically be cancelled upon departure from the country. 

Furthermore, even if you obtain an Advance Parole Document, your re-entry into the United States is not guaranteed. 

To make matters worse, traveling could also negatively affect your eligibility for future immigration benefits.

If my application for Family Unity Parole in Place is approved, will I obtain lawful permanent residence?

No, approval of your application for Family Unity Parole in Place does not grant you lawful permanent residence. 

This permit is temporary and does not guarantee eligibility for any benefits or other immigration relief, including lawful permanent residence. 

To obtain a Green Card, contact our family-based immigration lawyer since you will need to do it via a family-based immigrant process . USCIS will then evaluate your eligibility for lawful permanent residency in a separate process.

How can our immigration attorneys in Los Angeles, California help you apply for Family Unity Parole in Place?

At Lluis Law, our Los Angeles immigration attorneys, David and Ramiro, are committed to helping you and your family take advantage of the family unity Parole in Place program. 

With our experience, we can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your request is handled with care and precision. 

If you wish to keep your family together and move towards regularizing your immigration status, do not hesitate to contact us to receive the legal advice you need.

Call us today, our experts will serve you with dedication and commitment, ensuring that your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.