Update on Biden’s Parole Program (“Keeping Families Together”)
What is the Keeping Families Together Program?
On June 18, 2024, the Biden administration announced a program to promote family unity in the U.S. The program allows certain spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request Parole in Place (PIP). PIP does not provide legal status in the United States, but can provide up to three years of parole in the U.S. PIP approval can also make certain noncitizens eligible to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the U.S. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements.
Latest Update on the Biden’s PIP Program
After the program was announced, a group of states, led by the State of Texas, quickly filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A Texas court paused the program and ordered USCIS not to approve any PIP requests under the Keeping Families Together program. This order expires on November 8, 2024, but could be extended. A bench trial is set for November 5, 2024.
Applicants can still apply for PIP, and USCIS will schedule biometrics appointments to take fingerprints and photographs. However, USCIS cannot approve any application at this time. It is unclear what will happen to the program after November 8, 2024. Because of the ongoing litigation, applicants may never be granted PIP, even if they meet all of the program’s requirements.
Family unity has been a central goal of our immigration system for decades. The PIP program would provide a lifeline to an estimated 500,000 immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens. On average, spouses eligible for the program have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. In addition, an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens would benefit from PIP.
Sadly, these families remain in limbo. Those who have taken the risk of applying are anxiously waiting to see what will happen to the program. While we are hopeful that it will continue, we know the future of PIP also depends on the results of the upcoming presidential election. If Donald Trump wins the November 2024 election, he will likely terminate the program entirely, regardless of what the Texas court decides.
