Keeping Your Family Together Throughout The Immigration Process
In the past, many families were separated when one or more members were dealing with immigration issues. This could be stressful and hard for everyone involved. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken a significant step to promote family unity within the U.S. immigration system by implementing the Keeping Families Together initiative. If you’re going through immigration issues and want to know how this new initiative works, consulting with our immigration attorney in Jacksonville, FL, can be very helpful.
This article will give you an overview of the Keeping Families Together initiative. We’ll then discuss the details of this program and its potential benefits for families navigating the immigration process.
Quick Summary:
- The Keeping Families Together program allows eligible noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place, which means they can seek permanent residency without leaving the U.S. Parole in place is a temporary permit provided by the Department of Homeland Security for urgent humanitarian reasons. Under this program, noncitizens already in the U.S. who have not been officially admitted can apply for this status. The goal is to keep families united by avoiding separation during the immigration process.
- To qualify for Keeping Families Together, you must be a noncitizen spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen. You must also have been in the U.S. for a certain period, be married to a U.S. citizen, have no criminal record, and be willing to undergo background checks. The specific requirements depend on whether you’re a spouse or stepchild.
- To apply for parole in place under Keeping Families Together, complete Form I-131F online through your myUSCIS account, as paper applications are not accepted. The filing fee for this form is $580, and no fee waivers are available. USCIS will start accepting applications on August 19, 2024. If your parole request is approved, you can apply for a work permit using Form I-765, with fees of $520 for paper submissions and $470 for online, and you can request a fee waiver for Form I-765.
What is Keeping Families Together?
Keeping Families Together is a process that allows qualifying noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for special permission called parole in place. This means they can apply for permanent resident status without needing to leave the United States and be separated from their families.
Parole is a temporary permit given by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It lets certain noncitizens stay in the U.S. on a case-by-case basis for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.
The INA defines an “applicant for admission” as a noncitizen in the U.S. who has not been officially admitted. This means that noncitizens in the U.S. without official admission or parole can be considered for parole under Keeping Families Together as long as they are physically in the country.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Keeping Families Together?
To qualify for this program, you need to meet specific requirements. These rules ensure that the people who benefit from the initiative are in the right situation to stay in the country with their loved ones. To take advantage of this program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Noncitizen Stepchild of the U.S. Citizen
If you’re the stepchild of a U.S. citizen and want to stay in the United States, you need to meet specific requirements to be part of the Keeping Families Together program. You must:
- Have been continuously in the U.S. from at least June 17, 2024, up until you file your request;
- Be currently in the United States without formal admission or parole;
- Have a noncitizen parent who married a U.S. citizen legally on or before June 17, 2024, and before you turned 18;
- Have been under 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
- Have no serious criminal history and not be considered a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
- Provide biometric information, complete required background checks, and conduct security and public safety evaluations.
Noncitizen Spouses of U.S. Citizens
The Keeping Families Together initiative helps certain noncitizens stay in the U.S. with their U.S. citizen spouses during the immigration process. If you are a noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen and want to qualify for this program, you must:
- Be legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
- Be in the United States without official admission or parole;
- Have no serious criminal history and not be considered a threat to public safety, national security, or border security;
- Have been continuously in the U.S. from at least June 17, 2014, up until the date they file their request;
- Provide biometric information, complete required background checks, and national security and public safety evaluations.
How Do I Make a Request Under Keeping Families Together?
To apply for parole under the Keeping Families Together program, you need to fill out Form I-131F, the Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. This form must be submitted online through your myUSCIS account, as USCIS will not accept any paper applications sent by mail.
The fee for filing Form I-131F is $580. Currently, there are no options to waive or reduce this fee. USCIS has also provided a filing guide for Form I-131F to help you with your online application. Remember that USCIS will start accepting Form I-131F on August 19, 2024.
What Happens If My Request for Parole in Place is Granted?
After you are granted parole under Keeping Families Together, you can apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You must wait until your parole is granted before you file Form I-765; you cannot submit both Form I-765 and Form I-131F simultaneously.
The fee for filing Form I-765 is $520 if you submit it on paper and $470 if you file it online. You can request a fee waiver for Form I-765.
Why Do I Need an Immigration Attorney in Jacksonville, FL?
Navigating the Keeping Families Together program can be complex and overwhelming. Here’s why having our Jacksonville immigration lawyer on your side can be very helpful:
- Understanding Eligibility: We will help determine whether you meet all the program requirements. This is important to ensure that you qualify and don’t waste time on an application that might not be accepted.
- Proper Filing: We will guide you on which documents you need and how to prepare them. We can help you complete and submit the correct forms to reduce the chance of mistakes in your application.
- Navigating the Process: We can assist with every step, from filing your application to responding to any requests from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We can also ensure that you follow all the rules and deadlines.
The Keeping Families Together program has many steps and requirements, which can be confusing. Our Florida immigration attorney is here to help you understand the program, complete the necessary forms, and stay on track.
Call Our Jacksonville, FL Immigration Attorney Now!
Keeping Families Together is an important step forward in supporting family unity within the U.S. immigration system. This initiative helps maintain family connections and strengthens communities across the country. If you believe you might benefit from this program or need assistance with your application, it would be wise to consult with our attorney in Jacksonville, FL, who can guide you through the process and ensure you take all the proper steps to keep your family together.
At Scarborough Law, we’ll help determine if you qualify for the program based on your circumstances. We can explain the basics of the program so you know exactly what it involves and how it might apply to your situation. If you encounter any issues or need to address complications, our immigration law firm is here to provide legal support and solutions.
Don’t let immigration challenges keep your family apart. Your family’s unity is our priority. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation, and let us help you reunite with your loved ones.