As of October 2, 2024, the future of the Keeping Families Together Parole in Place program is uncertain. While we are hopeful for a positive outcome in the ongoing lawsuit affecting the program, a current court order has paused Keeping Families Together for now. Presently, USCIS is not able to approve any applications under the program. However, applicants can still submit their applications for processing. Additionally, if you have a pending application, you can and should still attend any scheduled biometrics (fingerprinting) appointments and respond to any requests for documents or information from USCIS. Please contact your attorney if you have questions, as the status of the program is subject to change!
It is possible that there might be further updates on or after October 10, 2024, when a hearing will take place in the lawsuit challenging the Keeping Families Together program.
Background on Keeping Families Together and Parole in Place: “Adjustment of Status” is a type of immigration application where a person can apply for a green card (lawful permanent residency) from inside the United States. To be eligible for Adjustment of Status, an applicant must meet several requirements, which, in most cases, includes having entered the United States lawfully. Without a lawful entry, a person who otherwise meets the requirements to apply for lawful permanent residency oftentimes must apply through “Immigrant Visa Processing” (sometimes referred to as Consular Processing) – where they attend an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. The Immigrant Visa Process can be very lengthy, and the requirement to leave the United States to attend an interview with no advance guarantees of approval can be immensely stressful for the applicants and their families. Some applicants are also subjected to “departure bars” which can make their cases more difficult if they have to leave the United States. “Parole in Place” is a benefit that, in certain cases, can provide a pathway for an applicant to become eligible for Adjustment of Status within the United States rather than having to rely on Immigrant Visa Processing. Keeping Families Together is a program which the Biden Administration has attempted to implement to benefit certain spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens with long ties to the United States. A lawsuit led by Texas has left the program in limbo since shortly after its inception in August 2024. https://www.mmhpc.com/biden-administration-to-expand-parole-in-place-to-spouses-of-u-s-citizens-keeping-families-together/
Timeline of Events in Keeping Families Together Parole in Place (With Most Recent Listed First):
Please note that this information is up to date as of October 2, 2024, but there may be subsequent changes to the status of the Keeping Families Together program. If you have questions about a pending Keeping Families Together request, or would like to apply, please contact Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan for a consultation with one of our attorneys: 312-427-6163.
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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