Beginning August 19, 2024, eligible undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens can apply for a new program called Parole In Place (PIP). To be eligible individuals must:
- Have been continuously present in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024;
- Have a legal marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024; and
- Not have any disqualifying criminal history or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
This article from Documented explains the advantages of PIP, details eligibility, and describes how to apply and what documents are needed.
Update, September 4, 2024: A court has prevented USCIS from approving PIP applications until at least September 23, 2024 (and possibly longer). Applicants may continue to apply for the PIP process, but until the judge says otherwise, they will not receive a decision or any of the benefits of PIP.
All applicants need to submit their individual application for PIP and must pay a $580 filing fee with their application (there is no fee waiver). There is no guarantee that USCIS will return the fee if the PIP process is permanently stopped. This application is only available to submit online.
For additional updates, visit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.