At Barrera Legal Group, we are thrilled to share a significant development that could positively impact many families across the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new family unity program that will allow certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to leave the country. This groundbreaking initiative is set to launch at the end of this summer.
Key Details About the Program:
The DHS will establish the family unity program process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests from noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who meet the following criteria:
· Residency: Applicants must have lived in the United States for 10 years or more.
· Safety: Applicants must not pose a threat to public safety or national security.
· Eligibility: Applicants must be otherwise eligible to apply for adjustment of status.
· Discretion: Applicants must merit a favorable exercise of discretion.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for this family unity program process, individuals must:
· Be present in the United States without admission or parole.
· Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.
· Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
· Have no disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety.
· Merit a favorable exercise of discretion.
Noncitizen children of potential requestors may also be considered for parole under this process if they are physically present in the United States without admission or parole and have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
Application Process:
The specific steps for this program will be detailed in a forthcoming Federal Register notice. To be considered, an individual must:
· File a form with USCIS along with supporting documentation to demonstrate they meet the requirements.
· Pay a fee as part of the application process.
Upon receipt of a properly filed parole-in-place request, USCIS will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a grant of parole is warranted and whether the applicant merits a favorable exercise of discretion. All requests will consider the applicant’s previous immigration history, criminal history, background checks, national security and public safety vetting, and any other relevant information available to USCIS. Strong processes are in place to identify and address potential fraud, ensuring the integrity of this program.
Important Note:
USCIS will reject any filings or individual requests received before the application period begins later this summer. Ensure that your application is complete and submitted within the correct time frame to avoid rejection.
How Barrera Legal Group Can Help:
Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be challenging. At Barrera Legal Group, we are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and options under this new program. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the application process and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. Additionally, we are vigilantly monitoring any potential legal challenges from Republican Governors and federal officials that could impact the implementation of this program.
For more information, visit our website at www.barreralegal.com or contact us today. Stay informed and let Barrera Legal Group assist you every step of the way in achieving your immigration goals. 🏛️👨👩👧👦