Recently, the United States immigrant community was briefed on a new measure specifically designed to assist spouses of U.S. citizens who entered the country undocumented. This initiative, known as Parole in Place, or “Biden Parole,” aims to promote family unity by allowing these individuals to remain in the country legally.
USCIS announced that the application process will begin on August 19, and no applications will be accepted before this date. However, they have shared a list of documents that you can begin to gather to demonstrate your eligibility.
Documents to Prove Eligibility
To establish your eligibility for Biden’s Parole in Place, you should prepare the following:
- Evidence of a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024, such as a marriage certificate.
- Proof of identity, including expired documents, which may include:
- A state or country driver’s license or valid ID.
- A birth certificate with photo identification.
- A valid passport.
- Any government-issued document showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, and photo.
- Evidence of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
Demonstrating Continuous U.S. Residence for At Least 10 Years
One of the requirements for the Parole in Place is that you demonstrate you have been living continuously in the United States for at least 10 years before June 17, 2024.
Although USCIS will publish more detailed information soon, examples of acceptable documentation could include:
- Rent receipts or utility bills.
- School records (letters, report cards, etc.).
- Medical or hospital records.
- Statements attesting to your residency from religious entities, unions, or other organizations that identify you by name.
- Official documents from a religious entity confirming participation in a religious ceremony.
- Money order receipts sent to or from the United States.
- Birth certificates of children born in the United States.
- Dated bank transactions.
- Receipts, car license titles or registrations.
- Deeds, mortgages, or rental agreements.
- Insurance policies.
- Tax returns or tax receipts.
Including Your Child in the Application
For non-citizen children of applicants, the evidence may include:
- Proof of the child’s relationship to the non-citizen parent, such as a birth certificate or an adoption decree.
- Evidence of the non-citizen parent’s legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024, like a marriage certificate.
- Evidence of the child’s presence in the United States before June 17, 2024.
Recommendations
If you are preparing to apply for this process, you should create or update your myUSCIS account at my.uscis.gov.
Beware of Immigration Scams
Unfortunately, immigration scams are very common. Please be aware that you cannot yet apply for this process. Also, remember that in the United States, a notary public is not authorized to provide any legal services related to immigration. Only a licensed attorney in the United States or an accredited representative can provide such services. At Saavedra & Perez Law, we are ready to assist you with your case once all the details are published.