USCIS has released a filing guide for the Keeping Families Together program, which allows undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to apply for status through the Parole in Place program, also known as Form I-131F.
On August 16, USCIS provided detailed instructions following President Joe Biden’s June executive order, after a long wait until just three days before the application window opens on August 19.
Eligible applicants include undocumented immigrants in the U.S. without admission or parole who are married to U.S. citizens, have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years, and have no green card disqualifications or criminal records as of June 17, 2024, the date of the executive order. Stepchildren of U.S. citizens can also apply, provided they are under 18 years old.
The application begins with basic information such as legal name, date of birth, country of birth, and physical details like weight and eye and hair color. Applicants will also need to provide an A-Number or Social Security number, if applicable.
After submitting information about their spouse and answering questions regarding any disqualifying factors for permanent residency, applicants must indicate if they have a preparer or interpreter assisting them.
The filing process requires proof of relationship, confirming that the applicants are spouses or stepchildren of U.S. citizens, as well as evidence of residence. The exact filing fee has yet to be determined.
This executive order is expected to offer relief to approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants who have been unable to obtain legal status despite being married to U.S. citizens.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
