When Will the Benefits for Undocumented Spouses and Children Take Effect?
In June 2024, President Joe Biden announced an ambitious immigration plan to keep immigrant families together. This measure will allow undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to begin obtaining legal status without leaving the country. The initiative seeks to provide stability and peace of mind to thousands of families who have lived in constant fear of separation and deportation.
At Quiroga Law Office, PLLC., we are pleased to announce that this process will become a reality starting August 19, 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for Parole
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be present in the United States without having been admitted or paroled.
- Have continuously resided in the United States for at least ten years as of June 17, 2024.
- Be legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
- Have no disqualifying criminal records or pose a threat to national or public security.
- Additionally, certain children of citizens who were physically present in the United States on June 17, 2024, may also be considered.
Required Documentation for the Process
Although the process has not yet begun, it is advisable to prepare the necessary documents for the application. Some of these documents include:
- Marriage Certificate: Proof of a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- Identification Documents: Driver’s license, state ID, passport, birth certificate with photo, valid passport, government-issued documents including name, date of birth, and applicant’s photograph.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship of the Spouse: Passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Evidence of Continuous Residence in the U.S. for at least ten years: Rental receipts, utility bills, school records, medical records, residency certifications, and money order receipts. Additionally, birth certificates of children born in the U.S., bank transactions, vehicle registration receipts, property deeds, mortgages, leases, insurance policies, and tax returns.
For non-citizen children, the eligibility documentation includes:
- Proof of Relationship to the Non-Citizen Parent: Birth certificate or adoption decree.
- Parents’ Marriage Certificate: To prove the legally valid marriage of the non-citizen parent to the U.S. citizen.
- Evidence of the Child’s Presence in the U.S. on June 17, 2024.
Benefits of Parole for Undocumented Families
This change will benefit approximately 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens and 50,000 undocumented children of parents married to U.S. citizens. For immigrant families, this measure provides peace of mind, allowing them to stay united without the fear of deportation.
The plan also facilitates work visas for university graduates, including Dreamers, who have obtained a degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution and received a job offer in their field of study.
Keeping Families United
This immigration policy is crucial for immigrant families, eliminating the need for applicants for lawful permanent residence to leave the United States during the process. Until now, many families were forced to separate due to this requirement.
With the new Parole in Place, undocumented individuals eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen can do so without leaving the country. This will reduce the uncertainty and fear that many families have faced for years.
Impact on Work Visas
Biden’s new plan also includes a process to facilitate work visas for university graduates, including Dreamers. To apply, they must have obtained a degree from a U.S. institution and received a job offer from a U.S. employer. This will provide new opportunities for young people who have grown up and studied in the United States, contributing to the economy and society.
What to Do Before the Immigration Benefits Take Effect?
Although the process has not yet begun, interested individuals should prepare the necessary documents. Starting August 19, they can submit their parole application and the process of eventually obtaining permanent residence.
This new immigration plan represents a significant step toward the unity and stability of immigrant families in the United States. By allowing undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to remain in the country while regularizing their status, the Biden administration offers a humane and practical solution to a long-standing problem.
