Monday, November 18, 2013

New USCIS Policy Grants Reprieve to Immediate Relatives of USCs in the Military

New USCIS Policy Grants Reprieve to Immediate Relatives of USCs in the Military


On Friday, November 15th, 2013, USCIS released a policy memorandum announcing a change in policy that positively affects undocumented children, spouses, and parents of active duty, reserves, and former service members.  The impact of this change is profound because this “parole in place” (PIP) immigration benefit for undocumented immediate relatives of service members provides a pathway for these individuals to obtain lawful permanent residence without having to leave the U.S.    A person who leaves the US after being here for more than a year unlawfully will trigger a 10 year bar; a person who is here more than six months unlawfully who then leaves, will trigger a 3 year bar.   This PIP policy provides a tremendous benefit to such applicants.

The new policy only applies to spouses, parents and minor, unmarried children of US citizen members of the US military (current and past).    Though the benefits of this PIP policy do not yet extend to family members of permanent residents, those who are permanent residents should consider naturalization as a first step to assisting their undocumented children, spouse, and parents in applying for this new immigration benefit.   For those who can qualify under this policy, the benefits will be very significant.

Please contact Chapman Law Firm to discuss this policy change and how it may positively affect your family.

Gerry Chapman

1 comment:

  1. I like the approach you took with this topic. It is not every day that you find a subject so to the point and enlightening.

    US Visa Waiver Program

    ReplyDelete