Keeping Families Together and the Parole-in-Place Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced an initiative under the "Keeping Families Together" program, allowing certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for Parole-in-Place (PIP). Please note that the following is general information and not legal advice. For specific guidance on your situation, schedule a consultation with Quattrochi, Torres, and Taormina, P.A.

This guide provides an overview of who qualifies for Parole-in-Place, the steps involved in applying, necessary documentation, applicable USCIS fees, and what to do after receiving this benefit.

Parole-in-Place is intended for noncitizens who are already in the United States and are close family members of U.S. citizens. The program aims to mitigate the risk of family separation and provide a pathway for these individuals to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) without needing to leave the country.

To qualify for Parole-in-Place, applicants must meet specific criteria:

For Noncitizen Spouses of U.S. Citizens:

For Noncitizen Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens:

For more detailed eligibility information, please visit the official USCIS Keeping Families Together page .

Even if you meet the eligibility criteria, USCIS may still deny Parole-in-Place based on various factors, such as the presence of removal proceedings or other discretionary concerns. Each case is evaluated individually, and the existence of prior issues does not automatically disqualify an applicant. It’s essential to consult with an attorney to assess your specific circumstances.

Applying for Parole-in-Place involves several steps, from determining eligibility to submitting the required documentation and attending appointments. Below is a general guide on how to apply.

The first step in the application process is to create a USCIS online account. This account is necessary for filing Form I-131F, which is the application form for Parole-in-Place. You can create an account by visiting the USCIS account creation page .

Before filling out the online application, you should gather all required documents. The following is a general list of suggested documentation, but each applicant’s situation will vary:

Your specific case may require different or additional documents, so consulting with an attorney is recommended.

With your documents ready, proceed to fill out and submit Form I-131F through your USCIS account. Ensure all information is accurate and matches the documentation you are submitting.

At the time of this writing the filing fee for Form I-131F is $580. This fee must be paid online during the submission process. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer from a U.S. bank account. Fee waivers are not available for this application.

After submitting your application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, you will provide fingerprints, photographs, and a signature, which USCIS will use for background checks and security vetting.

After the biometrics appointment, USCIS will review your application and supporting documents. The processing time may vary, but you can monitor your case status through your USCIS account. Each case is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

The success of a Parole-in-Place application depends on the quality of the documentation provided. The following are general suggestions, and specific documentation will vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances:

Each case is unique, and the required documentation may differ. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure all necessary documentation is included.

At the time of this writing, these are the applicable USCIS fees:

These fees must be paid directly to USCIS during the application process. Please consult USCIS fee schedules for up-to-date fees that apply to your case.

Once Parole-in-Place has been granted, it’s important to generally understand the next steps:

Please note that each person’s situation is unique, and the results of your case may vary depending on the specific details. Consulting with an attorney is crucial to navigating these steps effectively .

Parole-in-Place under the "Keeping Families Together" initiative offers a valuable opportunity for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to avoid family separation and potentially adjust their status to lawful permanent residency. However, navigating this process requires careful attention to detail and compliance with USCIS requirements.

For personalized guidance and assistance with your Parole-in-Place application, please contact Quattrochi, Torres, and Taormina, P.A. Our experienced attorneys are available to help you understand your options and ensure your case is handled with care.