Military PIP: Protecting the Families of Our Armed Forces

Military Parole in Place (PIP) is a special program designed to protect the immediate family members of U.S. military personnel from the risk of deportation. This program is available on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

 

Eligibility Criteria: You may be eligible for Military PIP in 1-year increments if you are present in the United States without admission and meet the following relationship criteria:

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• Spouse or Widow(er): You are the spouse or widow(er) of an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces, a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or an individual who previously served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and was not dishonorably discharged.

• Parent: You are the parent of an active-duty member, a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or an individual who previously served in one of these capacities and was not dishonorably discharged.

• Son or Daughter: You are the son or daughter of an active-duty member, a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or an individual who previously served and was not dishonorably discharged.

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Important Considerations:

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• Presence Without Admission: Military PIP is specifically for individuals present in the U.S. without lawful admission. If you were lawfully admitted but overstayed your visa, you are not eligible for PIP but may qualify for deferred action.

• Case-by-Case Review: USCIS evaluates each PIP request individually, taking into account humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit factors.

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Application Process: To request Military PIP, you must submit the following to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your place of residence:

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1. Completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: Handwrite "Military PIP" in Part 

2. Evidence of Family Relationship: This could include:

   • Marriage certificate for spouses or widow(er)s.

   • Documentation of the termination of previous marriages, if applicable.

   • Birth certificates for sons, daughters, and parents.

   • Proof of enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

3. Proof of Military Service: Provide evidence such as a photocopy of the service member’s military identification card or DD Form 214.

4. Support for Parental Applicants: If you are a parent of a service member, include evidence that your military family member supports your application for parole in place.

5. Two Passport-Style Photos: Submit two identical, color passport-style photographs.

6. Additional Discretionary Evidence: Provide any other documentation that may support a favorable discretionary decision.

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Benefits of Military PIP:

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• Temporary Relief from Deportation: Military PIP offers protection and allows eligible individuals to apply for a work permit.

• Pathway to a Green Card: Military PIP can be a critical step toward applying for legal permanent resident status through adjustment of status without leaving the U.S. This process avoids the need for consular processing abroad, which could trigger unlawful presence bars.

• Preserving Family Unity: This program ensures that military families remain together, offering stability and peace of mind during challenging times.