DHS Introduces New Program to Reunite Families of U.S. Citizens with Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new initiative, Keeping Families Together, aimed at reuniting noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens with their families. This program, announced through a Federal Register notice, seeks to strengthen family unity, enhance the economic well-being of American communities, and support diplomatic relations with partner countries. Moreover, it aligns with broader objectives of national security, public safety, and border security.

Ur M. Jaddou, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), emphasized the importance of this program in addressing the uncertainty that many noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens face due to existing barriers in the immigration system. “Too often, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens – many of them mothers and fathers – live with uncertainty due to undue barriers in our immigration system,” Jaddou stated. She further explained that this new process will alleviate these barriers for those who qualify to live and work legally in the United States. The program is designed to create efficiencies in the immigration system, improve screening and vetting processes, and focus on noncitizens who have deep-rooted connections within American communities.

Starting on August 19, 2024, USCIS will begin accepting applications from eligible individuals. Applicants must submit Form I-131F, known as the Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online through a myUSCIS account. The filing fee for this application is set at $580, with no option for a fee waiver.

Eligibility criteria for noncitizen spouses include:

– Being present in the United States without admission or parole.

– Continuous physical presence in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the application date.

– A legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024.

– A clean criminal record with no threats to public safety, national security, or border security.

– Submission of biometrics and completion of required background checks and vetting for national security and public safety.

For noncitizen stepchildren, eligibility requirements include:

– Being under the age of 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024.

– Being present in the United States without admission or parole.

– Continuous physical presence in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the application date.

– A noncitizen parent who was legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18th birthday.

– A clean criminal record with no threats to public safety, national security, or border security.

– Submission of biometrics and completion of required background checks and vetting for national security and public safety.

USCIS has highlighted its commitment to maintaining program integrity and preventing fraud. The agency will utilize existing training and practices to scrutinize submitted evidence, ensuring the legitimacy of marriages presented as part of the application process. Rigorous procedures will be in place to identify potential fraud, ensuring that fraudulent marriages do not serve as a basis for granting adjustment of status.

DHS has estimated that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens may meet the eligibility criteria for this program. If granted parole, these individuals could potentially apply for lawful permanent residence without the need to leave the country, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.

The Keeping Families Together initiative aligns with longstanding policies supported by Congress, including similar processes available to family members of certain U.S. military personnel and veterans. USCIS has made additional information available regarding eligibility criteria, the application process, and examples of required evidence. Guidance on creating an online account and filing Form I-131F online is also provided, along with advice on avoiding scams during this process. Detailed information can be found on the Keeping Families Together page.

This new program represents a significant step forward in the U.S. government’s efforts to support family unity while also ensuring that national security and public safety remain a top priority.