August 18, 2024: Today marks a monumental day for immigrant families across the nation as President Biden’s “Keeping Families Together” bill has officially passed. This legislation is a significant victory for those who have been separated from their loved ones due to immigration enforcement policies. The bill prioritizes family reunification and aims to create a more compassionate and humane immigration system.

To address this pressing issue, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is introducing a new process to support certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens. This initiative will allow eligible individuals, who have resided in the United States for 10 years or more and who do not pose a threat to public safety or national security, to apply for lawful permanent residence without the need to leave the country.

This opportunity could potentially benefit around 500,000 noncitizen spouses, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for an average of 23 years. Additionally, approximately 50,000 of their children may also qualify for this process. However, noncitizens who are considered a threat to national security or public safety will not be eligible. In such cases, DHS will take necessary actions, including detention, removal, or referral to other federal agencies for further investigation or prosecution, in alignment with immigration enforcement priorities.

What the “Keeping Families Together” Bill Means for Immigrants

The newly passed bill addresses the critical issue of family separations, providing a pathway for families to reunite and remain together in the United States. It acknowledges the importance of family unity and the vital role immigrants play in building strong communities. However, to benefit from the bill’s provisions, families must undergo important legal processes, with the first step being background checks.

The First Step: Background Checks

To move forward under the new legislation, families must complete background checks to verify their identity and comply with legal requirements. This process is crucial in ensuring that families can remain together without facing unnecessary delays or complications. Our fingerprinting services are specifically tailored to meet these needs, providing a reliable and supportive environment during this critical time.

Why Start with Us?

Choosing our fingerprinting services means selecting a partner who understands the gravity of this moment for your family. We’re not just offering a service; we’re offering peace of mind as you navigate this important step. Here’s why our approach makes a difference:

• Expertise and Precision: Our experienced team ensures that every fingerprint is captured accurately, meeting all federal requirements for immigration processes.
• Convenient and Accessible: With multiple locations and flexible hours, we make it easy to fit fingerprinting into your schedule, so you can focus on what matters most—your family.
• Commitment to Community: We are deeply invested in the well-being of immigrant families, and our services reflect our dedication to helping you stay together.

Under this initiative, PAROLE IN PLACE is available to NONCITIZENS present in the U.S. without admission or parole, allowing them to remain temporarily based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. If granted, these individuals may apply for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents without leaving the United States. DHS estimates that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens could benefit from this process.

Eligibility

To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole in place under Keeping Families Together, you must meet these eligibility criteria:

If you are the noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

If you are the noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must:

1. Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.
2. Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
3. Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
4. Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
5. Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday;
6. Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security*; and

To be eligible, noncitizen spouses must meet several criteria, including continuous physical presence in the U.S. since June 17, 2014, a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024, and a clean criminal record. Stepchildren must meet similar criteria, with additional requirements regarding their age and marital status as of June 17, 2024.

Applicants for parole in place must submit Form I-131F online, along with the necessary documentation and a filing fee. The process includes biometrics submission and rigorous background checks to ensure the integrity of the program and prevent fraudulent claims.

Once granted parole in place, individuals may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). However, it’s important to note that a grant of parole does not automatically qualify individuals for other immigration benefits, such as lawful permanent resident status. Each case is evaluated individually, considering factors such as criminal history, national security concerns, and overall eligibility.

The “Keeping Families Together” initiative represents a significant step forward in preserving family unity and ensuring that noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens can remain together in the United States.

Moving Forward Together

With the “Keeping Families Together” bill now in effect, it’s more important than ever to take the necessary steps to secure your family’s future. We are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you have everything you need to comply with the new requirements.

Start your journey with us today by booking an appointment. Click HERE to schedule your fingerprinting session with one of our professionals, and let’s move forward together, keeping families united and strong.

At your service,

THE MR. FINGERPRINTS TEAM