Biden’s New Parole in Place (PIP) Program

*Vea más abajo para leer esta información en español* 

Today, the Biden Administration announced a new Parole in Place (PIP) program that would grant temporary legal status and a potential path to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants in the U.S. This is big news! Here is everything we know as of right now.

Who qualifies?
The new Parole in Place (PIP) program will be available to undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens as of June 17, 2024 AND who have been living in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024. If you marry a US citizen after June 17, 2024, you will not qualify for this program.

Certain noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens under 21 will be eligible, too. Applications will be decided on a case-by-case basis, and will take factors like criminal history into account.

Based on similar existing programs, we believe that PIP will only be available to people with one unlawful entry after 1997. That means that people who have entered the U.S. unlawfully more than once since 1997, or who have entered the U.S. unlawfully after an expedited removal from the border may not be eligible for the program.

As of today, the Department of Homeland Security has not yet published full eligibility details. We will continue to update our clients as new information becomes available.

What is the application process?
Getting lawful status through the new PIP program will be a multi-step process. First, applicants will need to apply for PIP. Once PIP is approved, they will receive a three-year work permit. During that three-year period, the applicant would need to apply for Adjustment of Status to become a U.S. permanent resident (a green card holder). Then, once the applicant has been a permanent resident for three years, they can apply for U.S. citizenship. At this moment, we do not know what application will be required, where to file, what the filing fee will be, or the potential processing time.

In certain situations, some applicants may also need to apply for a waiver, for instance if they have committed fraud in the past or brought their children to the U.S. undocumented.

When can I apply?
The Department of Homeland Security announced that the application will likely begin later this summer, but they have not yet announced the date. They will not accept any PIP applications filed before then. We are also aware of the high likelihood that lawsuits may be filed to prevent this program from going into effect. We are monitoring the situation closely, and we will keep you informed.

Beware of immigration scams!
We are all very excited about this new policy, but it is important to remember that the government has NOT announced the application process yet. Anyone claiming to be able to submit your case for the new PIP program right now is incorrect. Always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for your immigration matters.

Immigration lawyer Inna Scott and her team at Global Law Advocates specialize in helping immigrants of all kinds gain legal status and other immigration benefits in the United States. To consult with an experienced attorney about your immigration options, call us at 206-774-8758 or send us an email at info@globallawadvocates.com.