Keep Families Together Parole-In-Place Process: October 2024 Update

In June 2024, a new Parole-in-Place ("PIP") process for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens was announced.¹ Under this program, noncitizens can apply for adjustment of status (I-485) to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) without the necessity of leaving the United States for consular processing abroad.²

Background:

Foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens can usually apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) if they entered the United States legally—even if the noncitizen overstayed their visa, as that can be waived.³ However, if the foreign national was not properly inspected, admitted, or paroled, the foreign national would have to leave the United States and first seek an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.⁴