DHS Implements Keeping Families Together
The Department of Homeland Security today announced a Federal Register notice to implement Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.
Keeping Families Together: New DHS Program for Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new program called Keeping Families Together, designed to streamline the process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residence. This initiative aims to promote family unity, enhance economic prosperity, strengthen diplomatic ties, and improve national security.
Key Features:
Eligibility: The program is open to noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who meet specific criteria.
Noncitizen Spouses: Must be married to a U.S. citizen, have a valid marriage, and be physically present in the U.S.
Noncitizen Stepchildren: Must be under 21 years old, have a valid stepparent-child relationship with a U.S. citizen, and be physically present in the U.S.
Application Process: Starting August 19, 2024, eligible individuals can submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online through a myUSCIS account. The filing fee is $580.
Parole Status: Upon approval, noncitizen spouses and stepchildren will receive parole status, allowing them to live and work legally in the U.S. while they await their application for lawful permanent residence.
Fraud Prevention: USCIS will implement rigorous procedures to detect potential fraudulent marriages, ensuring the integrity of the program.
Benefits:
Family Unity: Allows noncitizen spouses and stepchildren to live and work legally in the U.S. with their U.S. citizen family members, promoting family unity and stability.
Economic Prosperity: Contributes to the economic growth of American communities by enabling eligible individuals to work and contribute to the economy.
Strengthened Diplomatic Ties: Fosters stronger relationships with partner countries in the region by addressing concerns about family separation.
Enhanced Security: The program focuses on vetting and screening applicants, strengthening national security and public safety.
Important Considerations:
Fee waivers will not be accepted for Form I-131F.
USCIS will thoroughly review all evidence submitted to support the validity of the marriage.
The program is consistent with existing congressionally supported policies, including similar processes for family members of U.S. military personnel and veterans.
Additional Information:
Detailed information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, required evidence, and fraud prevention measures is available on the Keeping Families Together webpage.
For more information about USCIS and its programs, visit uscis.gov or follow them on social media platforms.
Estimated Impact:
DHS estimates that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens may meet the eligibility requirements for this program.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new program called Keeping Families Together, designed to streamline the process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residence. This initiative aims to promote family unity, enhance economic prosperity, strengthen diplomatic ties, and improve national security.
Key Features:
Eligibility: The program is open to noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who meet specific criteria.
Noncitizen Spouses: Must be married to a U.S. citizen, have a valid marriage, and be physically present in the U.S.
Noncitizen Stepchildren: Must be under 21 years old, have a valid stepparent-child relationship with a U.S. citizen, and be physically present in the U.S.
Application Process: Starting August 19, 2024, eligible individuals can submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online through a myUSCIS account. The filing fee is $580.
Parole Status: Upon approval, noncitizen spouses and stepchildren will receive parole status, allowing them to live and work legally in the U.S. while they await their application for lawful permanent residence.
Fraud Prevention: USCIS will implement rigorous procedures to detect potential fraudulent marriages, ensuring the integrity of the program.
Benefits:
Family Unity: Allows noncitizen spouses and stepchildren to live and work legally in the U.S. with their U.S. citizen family members, promoting family unity and stability.
Economic Prosperity: Contributes to the economic growth of American communities by enabling eligible individuals to work and contribute to the economy.
Strengthened Diplomatic Ties: Fosters stronger relationships with partner countries in the region by addressing concerns about family separation.
Enhanced Security: The program focuses on vetting and screening applicants, strengthening national security and public safety.
Important Considerations:
Fee waivers will not be accepted for Form I-131F.
USCIS will thoroughly review all evidence submitted to support the validity of the marriage.
The program is consistent with existing congressionally supported policies, including similar processes for family members of U.S. military personnel and veterans.
Additional Information:
Detailed information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, required evidence, and fraud prevention measures is available on the Keeping Families Together webpage.
For more information about USCIS and its programs, visit uscis.gov or follow them on social media platforms.
Estimated Impact:
DHS estimates that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens may meet the eligibility requirements for this program.