If you are the parent or spouse of a someone who is currently serving in the military or someone who is now a veteran, you want to pay special attention to this e-mail. One the most common cases we see is a parent who entered the United States without a visa, had a child in the United States, the child is now and adult, and now the parent wants to apply for a green card. Most parents who entered the United States without a visa usually need to go back to their home country and apply for a green card. Through the Parole in Place program, you don’t need to leave. That’s right, you have special rights as the parent of a soldier and you can do your entire immigration process from start to finish all while remaining here in the United States!
Parole in place is special permission to apply for a green card even if you entered the United States without a visa or proper travel document. Spouses, parents and children under the age of 21of soldiers and veterans are eligible for apply for this benefit. Parole in place is granted on a case-by-case basis. Parole is considered a lawful immigration status for purposes of certain immigration benefits, such as a Green Card. En Español.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Program
1. Who is eligible for Parole in Place?
Only spouses, parents, and unmarried, minor children under the age of 21 of military members or veterans who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for Parole in Place. Extended family such as cousins, uncles, and grandparents are not eligible.
2. What branches of the military qualify?
All branches are included: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps., Coast Guard.
It also does not matter is the soldier is active duty or in the Reserves. This program also includes veterans who previously served the military.
3. Is Parole in Place granted to every eligible person who applies?
There are no guarantees for receiving Parole in Place. Every application is reviewed by USCIS on a case-by-case basis. It is ultimately up to them to determine who is accepted and who is denied. In or experience most cases are approved.
4. How do I apply for Parole in Place?
You will need to complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and submit it (without fee) to your local USCIS office. You will also need to provide copies of documents that show you are eligible for parole in place. This includes evidence of the family relationship, and proof that your relative is or was an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces or in the Reserves.
Parole in place has allowed many of our clients who are parents of US soldiers the path to apply for a green card in the United States and avoid family separation. Many of them have other children whom they can’t just leave here while they leave the country to obtain a green card. As the spouse of an Army Officer, I understand the sacrifices military families make so that soldiers can serve to defend our country. I wish the immediate family members of all soldiers were automatically granted citizenship but that is not the law nor is it easy. We first need to start with parole in place and then obtain a green card. We are help to you navigate the immigration case while you support your family soldier.
LATEST IMMIGRATION UPDATES
June 12, 2020 — All immigration cases and hearings for non-detained individuals have been canceled until this date.
June 4, 2020 — USCIS Interviews cancelled until this date. USCIS is still accepting and processing cases while their offices are closed to the public.
If you have any immigration questions, we are here to help during this difficult time. Call our office with any questions or to schedule a free initial assessment with an immigration attorney.
Stay safe,
Zaira
Watch Zaira’s video with more details regarding immigration benefits for parents and spouses of military service members.
