On August 26, 2024, a federal court in Texas decided to put a temporary hold on the “Keeping Families Together” parole in place program (PIP), which helps certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens on a pathway to the green card. This means the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cannot approve new requests for this program for the next 11 days.
Here’s what you need to know:
- No new approvals: Until further notice, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not approve any new requests for the “Keeping Families Together” parole in place program (PIP).
- Parole in place (PIP) applications still accepted: You can still submit Form I-131F, which is used to apply for parole in place under this program.
- Biometric appointments continue: USCIS will still schedule and hold biometric appointments. This involves having your fingerprints and photo taken. You should attend your appointment on the scheduled date and time.
- Approved parole in place (PIP) applications are safe: If your application was approved before August 26, 2024, you are still eligible to apply for other benefits, such as work permits or adjusting your status to become a lawful permanent resident.
- Work authorization: You can only apply for a work permit (Form I-765) after your Form I-131F has been approved. If you try to apply for a work permit before your Form I-131F is approved, your application will be rejected.
For more information on how to prepare for your biometric appointment, visit the USCIS website.
Stay updated on any changes and make sure to follow the instructions provided in your appointment notices.
Please contact Attorney Monique Kornfeld for more information about parole in place (PIP) and representation in this case. It is important to obtain legal advice before filing any parole in place (PIP) application to protect against removal from the U.S.