Parole in Place (PIP): A Path to Legal Status for Undocumented Family Members 

Parole in Place (PIP) is a specialized immigration program created to assist undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel in obtaining legal status within the United States. This initiative permits certain undocumented immigrants to remain in the country and adjust their status without the necessity of leaving the U.S., thereby preventing family separation and paving the way to permanent residency.

Understanding Parole in Place (PIP)

Parole in Place offers immigration benefits to spouses, parents, and children of U.S. military members. This program was established to mitigate the unique challenges faced by military families, allowing service members to concentrate on their duties without the additional stress of potential family separation due to immigration issues. The program provides temporary legal status and work authorization to eligible family members, enabling them to reside in the U.S. lawfully.

Eligibility for Parole in Place

Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for Parole in Place:

• Relationship to U.S. Military Personnel: The applicant must be the spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen who is:
  • An active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • A current member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
  • A military veteran (living or deceased) who served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
• Physical Presence in the U.S.: The applicant must be physically present in the United States at the time of the application.
• Undocumented Status: The applicant must currently be undocumented, having entered the U.S. without inspection or having overstayed a visa.

Benefits of Parole in Place

Parole in Place offers several significant benefits to eligible family members of U.S. military personnel:

• Protection from Deportation: Recipients of PIP receive temporary legal status, shielding them from removal (deportation) proceedings.
• Work Authorization: PIP recipients can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which permits them to work legally in the United States.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: PIP can act as a bridge to obtaining a green card. Once granted PIP, eligible family members can apply for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents without leaving the U.S.

How to Apply for Parole in Place

The application process for Parole in Place includes several steps:

• Documentation: Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the U.S. military member, proof of the service member’s status, and documentation of their own identity and presence in the U.S.
• Form I-131: Applicants must complete and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, indicating their request for Parole in Place.
• Supporting Evidence: Along with Form I-131, applicants should submit supporting documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of the service member’s military status, and any other pertinent evidence.

Similarities with Biden’s New Immigration Plan

President Joe Biden has unveiled a new immigration plan that offers a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. This new initiative is similar to the Parole in Place program in several ways, aiming to provide legal status and work authorization to undocumented family members. 

Here’s how Biden’s new plan parallels Parole in Place:

Pathway to Legal Status: Both programs enable undocumented immigrants to adjust their status without leaving the United States.

Family Unity: Both initiatives focus on keeping families together, allowing spouses, parents, and children to stay in the U.S. without the fear of deportation.

Eligibility Requirements: Similar to Parole in Place, Biden’s plan requires applicants to meet specific criteria, such as being married to a U.S. citizen and having resided in the U.S. for a substantial period.

Work Authorization: Both programs grant eligible individuals the right to apply for employment authorization, allowing them to work legally in the United States.

Why Choose The Ahluwalia Firm?

At The Ahluwalia Firm, we understand the unique challenges faced by families dealing with immigration issues. Our experienced San Jose immigration attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of these immigration programs and secure the legal status you need.

Expert Guidance

Our team has extensive experience with immigration applications and a thorough understanding of the requirements and procedures involved. We offer strategic advice and personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process.

Personalized Attention

We take a client-centered approach, ensuring that your individual needs and circumstances are carefully considered throughout the application process. Our attorneys offer personalized guidance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Comprehensive Support

From gathering necessary documentation to preparing and filing your application, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process. Our commitment is to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is impacted by Parole in Place or President Biden’s new immigration program and need expert legal assistance, contact The Ahluwalia Firm today. Our skilled San Jose immigration lawyers are here to provide the expert guidance and support you need to navigate these processes successfully. Let our experienced team help you secure your family’s future in the United States.