In our previous alert, we explained that the PIP Program allows noncitizens married to U.S. citizens to apply for Parole In Place (PIP), effectively adjusting their immigration status in the U.S. to that of Permanent Residents (also called Green Card Holders).
Individuals who have entered the U.S. without admission (entered the U.S. without having been admitted or paroled by U.S. immigration officers) may benefit from this program because it will make them eligible to apply for admission in the U.S. without leaving the country. Previously, noncitizens married to U.S. citizens who entered the U.S. without admission had to depart the U.S. in order to obtain permanent resident status. Noncitizens married to U.S. citizens who entered the U.S. without admission and who do not qualify for PIP must continue to apply for immigration waivers in the U.S. and for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates overseas.
On August 26, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas extended the administrative halt of approvals of Parole in Place Applications for 14 days (until September 23, 2024).
Under the ruling, USCIS may:
- Not approve pending Parole in Place Applications under the Keeping Families Together Program.
- Continue to accept filings of Parole in Place Applications under the Keeping Families Together Program.
- Continue to schedule biometric appointments and take applicants’ biometrics at Application Support Centers.
Please note that the Court’s ruling does not impact any applications already approved by USCIS before the Ruling was issued on August 26, 2024.
[View source.]
