On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a groundbreaking new program to allow certain spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for “parole-in-place” and introduced new measures to facilitate work visas for Dreamers. This blog provides a comprehensive summary of these recent measures and initiatives, all focused on uniting families and supporting Dreamers.
New Actions to Support Mixed-Status Families and Dreamers
Recognizing the need to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families and young people educated in this country, President Biden announced new initiatives on June 18, 2024, to support these groups.
Keeping American Families Together
The Department of Homeland Security will introduce a new process to help noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. This initiative aims to:
- Promote Family Unity: Ensure that U.S. citizens can keep their families together.
- Strengthen the Economy: Allow noncitizen family members to stay and contribute to the U.S. economy.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Noncitizens must have resided in the U.S. for 10 or more years as of June 17, 2024,
- Must be be legally married to a U.S. citizen, and
- Must meet all legal requirements.
On average, eligible applicants have resided in the U.S. for 23 years. Approved individuals will have a three-year period to apply for permanent residency and will be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This initiative is expected to benefit: 500,000 Spouses of U.S. Citizens and 50,000 Noncitizen Children Under 21.
Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates and Dreamers
Building on the legacy of the DACA policy established by President Obama and then-Vice President Biden, today’s announcement aims to:
- Facilitate Employment Visas: Allow DACA recipients and other Dreamers with U.S. degrees and job offers related to their field of study to quickly receive work visas.
- Leverage U.S. Education: Ensure that individuals educated in the U.S. can use their skills to benefit the country.
New Parole-In-Place Program: A Pathway for Immigrant Families
On June 18, 2024, President Biden also announced a groundbreaking new program allowing certain spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for “parole-in-place” from the Department of Homeland Security. This initiative provides temporary protections and work permits to up to 550,000 people and enables them to apply for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status through their spouses without risking years of separation.
Addressing the Challenges for Immigrants Entering Without Inspection
Spouses of U.S. citizens generally qualify for an immigrant visa as an “immediate relative” of a citizen. However, those who entered the United States “without inspection” face significant barriers to residency. They must leave the country to obtain a new immigrant visa, risking a lengthy bar on reentry due to unlawful presence. This has led to approximately 1.2 million people being married to U.S. citizens without formal immigration status.
The Proposed Solution: Parole-In-Place
The executive branch can grant “humanitarian parole” to individuals who lack a lawful basis to enter or remain in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole-in-place allows these individuals to stay and apply for work authorization. Parolees are considered to have been “inspected and paroled” into the U.S., enabling them to apply for green cards without leaving the country. This initiative provides a more secure path to permanent residency, even if the program itself faces future reversals or legal challenges.
Important Warning: Avoid Scams and Notario Fraud
It is crucial to note that this new program is not yet implemented. Do not fall victim to scams or fraudulent practices. Consult with a trusted immigration attorney for accurate and reliable advice. Beware of “notarios” or unauthorized practitioners who may exploit this situation.
Conclusion
President Biden’s recent announcements underscore his commitment to securing the border, promoting lawful immigration, and keeping families together. These initiatives provide hope and stability for countless families and strengthen the social fabric of the United States. For more details, you can read the official White House announcement here.
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