Trying to understand the loopholes of the U. S. immigration system is not a walk in the park, especially for families who are seeking to reunite. The ‘Keeping Families Together’ is a successful program which aims at finding the legal way how the undocumented spouse and stepchild of the USA citizen can stay in the country. Benefits such as Parole in Place (PIP) are extremely valuable for military families and others by providing options of support and reunification in the complex immigration system.
Contents
What is the “Keeping Families Together” Program?
The “Keeping Families Together” is a U.S. immigration policy whose aim is to avoid families’ separation especially, those with U.S. citizens and relatives who are in the U. S legally but their spouse or children are illegals. This program is most important for military families, as it offers the means to stay in the U. S. thanks to the PIP or similar procedures. The program understands the need for families to stay together, especially during military duties, and provides different legal means to achieve this.
Parole in Place Requirements
Parole in Place (PIP) is one particular feature of the “Keeping Families Together” program that grants the undocumented family members of U.S. citizens in active duty, reserve or veteran status in the U. S. armed forces the right to legally reside in the United States. PIP has certain requirements that can be applied for only if the applicant is a spouse, parent or a child of a U.S. citizen, who has been in the military. Also, the applicants cannot be legally inspected which means they entered the U. S. through the informal channels, they must not be a criminal who would be barred from this benefit.
How to Apply for Parole in Place
Various are the steps in order to qualify and apply for Parole in Place. To begin with, the applicant has to secure relevant documents which include a proof of the relationship with the U.S. citizen service member such as marriage certificate, birth certificate or proof of military service. Following this, the applicant is required to fill the I-131F form, which is designed for the purpose of requesting parole for the undocumented family members. Such a form needs to be filled out and sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) together with necessary enclosures. One has to make a note here that the application for PIP is free, implying that any family that meets the outlined criteria can apply.
Applying the visa, the USCIS will have the responsibility of analyzing the case. If that will be the case, the applicant will be granted Parole in Place, that means he or she will be allowed to live in the U. S. without the fear of being deported. It is important for the public to know that PIP does not automatically lead to citizenship, however; PIP is a temporary measure that allows families to be together while they seek other lawful immigration opportunities.
How to Apply for a Green Card According to the “Keeping Families Together” Program
When a person has been given Parole in Place, he or she can then be considered for a green card (permanent residency) under the “Keeping Families Together” program. To do so, they are required to complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is used where they are applying for a green card due to this new legal status through PIP.
The documents required to be presented by the applicant include form I – 485, identity proof, proof of relationship with the US citizen, and any linked immigration record. Application for a green card also includes a medical examination, and an interview with a USCIS officer as well. Applicants have to know that there are costs ascribed to form I-485 that have to be paid, unless the applicant is expected to pay the same.
It takes some time to process the application of the card, and it usually may take several months to get a green card. At this time, a candidate may legally reside and operate in the United States under the provision of PIP. In case, where the green card is granted, then, the applicant gets an opportunity of a permanent resident status in the U.S. with an opportunity of working in the country indefinitely with a chance of applying for U.S. citizenship in the future.
The program known as “Keeping Families Together” especially through the Parole in Place provision provides a lifeline for victims of their immigration status of their loved ones, especially those who are in the military. An evaluation of the criteria that make one eligible to apply for PIP and the green card will help families learn how to manoeuvre through the difficult immigration process in the United States so that no member is left behind, especially during trying moments. This program testifies the good understanding of the U. S government on the provision of military families and family unity, in spite of court and administrative barriers.
