10 Sep, 2024
The Parole in Place (PIP) program, introduced by the Biden administration under the Keeping Families Together initiative, has recently faced significant legal challenges. Designed to help undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens remain in the country while applying for legal status, this updated policy has been temporarily blocked by a federal court. In this blog, we’ll address the key questions surrounding the PIP program, its eligibility, and the current status of the lawsuit affecting it. If you or a family member may be impacted by these developments, read on for important information. What is the USCIS Parole in Place (PIP) Program? The Parole in Place (PIP) program allows certain undocumented family members of U.S. citizens, such as spouses or stepchildren, to stay in the U.S. while their applications for legal status are processed. Originally designed for military families, the Biden administration extended this program under the Keeping Families Together initiative to include non-military families. What does the recent lawsuit ruling mean for the PIP Program? On August 26, 2024, a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s updated PIP policy. This ruling came as part of a lawsuit (Texas v. Department of Homeland Security) filed by 16 state attorneys general, who argued that the expanded policy violated federal law. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently unable to grant any pending PIP requests under the Keeping Families Together initiative. Who is eligible for the PIP Program under the Keeping Families Together initiative? Under the current guidelines, the PIP program allows noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for legal status without leaving the country. However, due to the recent court ruling, only applications submitted before the stay order will be processed. Can individuals still apply for Parole in Place (PIP)? Yes, DHS is still accepting applications for PIP, despite the pause in processing. You can submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place, and attend biometric appointments. However, no new approvals will be granted until the stay is lifted or overturned. What is the status of the lawsuit? The court’s ruling places a 14-day administrative stay on the program, preventing DHS from granting new PIP applications. This stay could be extended, reduced, or overturned, depending on further legal developments. If you or a loved one may be impacted by these changes or want to explore alternative immigration options, it's crucial to stay informed and seek legal advice. Need Assistance? Schedule a consultation with GPV Immigration Law APC to discuss your situation and how we can assist you in navigating these legal developments.