USCIS Launches New Program to Reunite Families

In a significant move aimed at promoting family unity and enhancing the efficiency of the immigration system, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a new initiative called “Keeping Families Together.”

This program, announced via a Federal Register notice, offers a pathway for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to remain in the United States and potentially secure lawful permanent residency.

What the Initiative Entails

The “Keeping Families Together” initiative is designed to remove barriers that have often placed noncitizen family members of U.S. citizens in a state of uncertainty.

According to Ur M. Jaddou, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this process will enable eligible individuals to live and work lawfully in the U.S., fostering family stability and contributing to American communities.

Beginning August 19, 2024, USCIS will start accepting applications for this process. Eligible individuals must file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, through the myUSCIS online platform. The filing fee is $580, and fee waivers will not be granted.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this program, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens must meet the following criteria:

• Be physically present in the U.S. without prior admission or parole.
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014.
• Be legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024.
• Have no disqualifying criminal history or pose any threat to public safety, national security, or border security.
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and vetting.

Similarly, noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens must:

• Have been under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024.
• Be physically present in the U.S. without prior admission or parole.
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2024.
• Have a noncitizen parent who was legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, before the stepchild’s 18th birthday.
• Have no disqualifying criminal history or pose any threat to public safety, national security, or border security.
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and vetting.

Safeguards Against Fraud

USCIS emphasized its commitment to program integrity, stating that it will employ rigorous procedures to detect and prevent fraud. The agency will scrutinize submitted evidence to verify the legitimacy of marriages, ensuring that only valid relationships are recognized under this process.

Potential Impact

DHS estimates that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens could be eligible under this initiative. If granted parole and meeting other requirements, these individuals may apply for lawful permanent residency without needing to leave the country.

The “Keeping Families Together” program aligns with long-standing U.S. policies that support family unity, similar to processes available for family members of U.S. military personnel and veterans.

For more detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and how to avoid potential scams, USCIS has provided resources on the official “Keeping Families Together” page.