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Parole in Place: Undocumented Spouses of U.S. citizens
On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process. This announcement is consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keep families together. DHS is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade. If parole is granted, noncitizens who are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen will be able to do so without having to leave the United States.
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by Hong-min Jun
Last edited Jul 25, 2024
Eligibility for Parole in Place
Continuous Presence
Be present in the United States without admission or parole; Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024;
Valid Marriage
Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024;
No Criminal History
Not have any disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety;
Favorable Discretion
Otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.
Evidence of Eligibility
Marriage
Evidence of a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, such as a marriage certificate;
Identity
Documentation of proof of identity, including expired documents may include: Valid state or country driver’s license or identification; Birth certificate with photo identification; Valid passport; or Any government issued document bearing the requestor’s name, date of birth, and photo.
Spouse's Citizenship
Evidence of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization;
Documentation of Continuous Presence
Rent Receipts
Documentation to establish your continued presence in the United States for at least 10 years, as of June 17, 2024. While more information will be made available in the forthcoming Federal Register Notice and subsequent FAQs, examples of documentation could include copies of: Rent receipts or utility bills;
School Records
School records (letters, report cards, etc.);
Medical Records
Hospital or medical records;
Religious Records
Attestations to your residence by religious entities, unions, or other organizations, identifying you by name; Official records from a religious entity confirming participation in a religious ceremony;
Additional Documentation
Financial Records
Money order receipts for money sent into or out of the United States; Dated bank transactions;
Vehicle Records
Automobile license receipts, title, or registration;
Property Records
Deeds, mortgages, or rental agreement contracts; Insurance policies; or Tax returns or tax receipts.
Favorable Discretion
Otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.