USCIS Opens Path to Citizenship for Over 550,000 Undocumented Individuals

August 2024 marks a significant shift in US immigration policy as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prepares to accept legalization petitions from undocumented spouses and stepchildren of US citizens.

This move is part of the “Path to Citizenship” program aimed at assisting over 500,000 foreign national spouses and 50,000 foreign national stepchildren who entered the United States without a visa.

Path to Citizenship Program: A New Hope

Starting August 19, 2024, the USCIS will welcome petitions for legalization from undocumented spouses and stepchildren of US citizens. This initiative is designed to provide a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for these individuals.

Immigration Parole: Temporary Relief

Under immigration parole, certain non-citizens can reside and work in the US without fearing deportation. If granted parole, these individuals may apply for lawful permanent residency through a US consulate without needing to leave the country.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that around 500,000 non-citizen spouses of US citizens, who have lived in the country for an average of 23 years, could benefit from this process.

Also Read: Heartland Visa: A New Pathway to Attract Skilled Immigrants to the US

Eligibility Criteria for Immigration Parole

To qualify for this program, candidates must:

• Prove they are married to a US citizen or are the stepchild of one as of June 17, 2024.
• Demonstrate at least ten years of continuous residence in the US after entering without authorization.
• They have no criminal history that would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful applicants will be granted “parole in place” status, allowing them to work legally in the US. They are expected to receive a Green Card, granting them permanent residency, within three years, followed by eligibility to apply for US citizenship.

Required Documentation for Spouses and Stepchildren

Applicants must provide several documents to support their petition, including:

Identification Documents:

• Valid state or national driver’s license
• Valid passport or birth certificate with photo identification
• Any government-issued document featuring the candidate’s name, birthdate, and photo

Proof of Relationship to US Citizen:

• Birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization of the US citizen spouse

Proof of Continuous Residence:

• Utility bills, house rent receipts, medical records, school records, and attestations to residency from unions or religious institutions.
• Birth certificates of children born in the US, dated bank transactions, rental agreements, insurance policies, and tax returns or receipts.

Documentation for Non-Citizen Children

For non-citizen children, proof of eligibility includes:

• Documentation proving the child’s relationship to the non-citizen parent, such as an adoption decree or birth certificate
• Proof of the non-citizen parent’s lawful marriage to a US citizen as of June 17, 2024

A Path Forward

This new policy by the USCIS represents a significant step towards addressing the complex issue of undocumented immigrants in the US, providing hope and a clear path forward for those seeking to build a life in the country.

As the program unfolds, it promises to impact thousands of lives, offering stability and the possibility of a permanent home in the United States.