Noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens can now apply for permanent residency under a new Department of Homeland Security program.
“Too often, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens – many of them mothers and fathers – live in uncertainty because of unreasonable hurdles in our immigration system,” said Ur M. Jaddou, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Department of Homeland Security wants to use the program to strengthen family unity and reduce the burden on US resources, according to a press release. Applications have been accepted since Monday.
Applicants granted parole may apply for lawful permanent residency without having to leave the country.
The U.S. immigration authorities will review the applications to confirm the legality of the marriage and will also look for possible fraud, the press release said.
After setting up a myUSCIS account, applicants must file Form I-131F, an Application for Parole. The application fee is $580, and requests for fee waivers will not be considered.
“This process, designed to keep American families together, will remove these unreasonable barriers for those who would otherwise be eligible to live and work legally in the United States,” Jaddou said.
USCIS has published a filing guide to help individuals through the online process.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 500,000 spouses and 50,000 stepchildren of non-citizen U.S. citizens are eligible.
To be considered, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens must:
- Remaining in the United States without authorization or parole
- You must have been physically present in the United States continuously since at least June 17, 2014 (through the date of application).
- Have entered into a legal marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17
- They have no disqualifying criminal history and are not otherwise considered a threat to public safety, national security or border security.
- Submit biometric data and undergo required background checks, national security and public safety screening
Stepchildren of non-citizen U.S. citizens must:
- They were under 21 years old and unmarried on June 17
- Remaining in the United States without authorization or parole
- You must have been physically present in the United States continuously from at least June 17 through the date of application.
- You must have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legal marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17 and before the child’s 18th birthday.
- They have no disqualifying criminal history and are not otherwise considered a threat to public safety, national security or border protection.
- Submit biometric data and undergo required background checks, national security and public safety screening
