Parole in Place in the U.S.

The immigration process can be long and harrowing, particularly for people who may have entered the U.S. unlawfully. Fortunately, laws have been passed in recent years that are aimed at keeping families together. This means that the immigration practice at Williams, Kratcoski, Griffin & Can, LLC has had to evolve.

One of the newer facets of our immigration practice relates to parole in place. The program was created in 2014 through an executive action by President Obama. Essentially, it is a benefit for certain undocumented family members of active or former U.S. military personnel. Spouses, parents, and children under the age of 21 of armed forces members may be eligible to remain in the U.S. if they qualify under parole in place.

Who is Eligible

This discretionary program enables select relatives who entered the U.S. without documentation to remain in the country. Formerly, immigration laws dictated that people who unlawfully entered the U.S. could not apply for a green card while still in the country. They generally had to return to their country of origin to be processed through the consulate. Bans of between three and ten years were common in cases where people had unlawfully immigrated. The result was families being torn apart, sometimes for years at a time.

The parole in place program aims to correct this problem. It is a benefit that is available only to current and former members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouse, parents, and children. These rights are discretionary, which means that anyone seeking to take advantage of them must apply, and there is no guarantee of acceptance.

Contact a Skilled Immigration Attorney for Advice

As with all aspects of our immigration practice, Williams, Kratcoski, Griffin & Can, LLC strives to make parole in place applications a smooth and worry-free process. Our experience and guidance may be vital to submitting a successful application. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.