PIP Executive Action Immigration Relief

Biden’s PIP Executive Action: Expanding Immigration Relief Beyond Military Families With Form I-131F

Author: Greg Abrams

The Parole in Place (PIP) program has long been recognized as a critical immigration relief tool for undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel. However, recent actions under the Biden administration have broadened the scope of this essential program, no longer restricting it solely to military families. The Keeping Families Together initiative, implemented through Biden’s PIP Executive Action, allows more families to benefit from immigration relief, with a new streamlined process via Form I-131F.

This expanded initiative offers much-needed support to families facing the risk of separation due to immigration status. Drawing insights from Shautsova Law Office, USCIS, AILA, and community-focused sources like Immigration Lawyer NY’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, this article provides a detailed overview of the Parole in Place expansion, the criteria for qualifying under this program, and how Form I-131F can help families stay united.

What is Parole in Place (PIP)?

Parole in Place (PIP) is an immigration relief program that has historically allowed certain undocumented individuals who are immediate family members of U.S. military personnel to remain lawfully in the United States. Through PIP, individuals can obtain deferred action, work authorization, and relief from deportation, ultimately allowing them to adjust status to lawful permanent residency without having to leave the country.

Previously, the PIP program was limited to the spouses, children, and parents of U.S. service members, veterans, and those serving in the National Guard or reserves. However, under President Biden’s Executive Action, the scope of Parole in Place has been significantly expanded, giving access to a wider range of families facing immigration hardships, even those without military ties. This change is a part of the administration’s broader efforts to keep families together and reduce the strain caused by outdated immigration policies.

Biden’s Executive Action on Parole in Place: Keeping Families Together

In line with the administration’s commitment to family reunification and immigration reform, the Keeping Families Together initiative broadens the Parole in Place program, making it accessible to a broader range of immigrants. Now, through Biden’s PIP Executive Action, undocumented family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are not connected to military service can also apply for immigration benefits using Form I-131F.

This expansion of the PIP program aims to provide relief to families who have lived in fear of deportation and separation. By allowing more individuals to qualify for parole in place, the Biden administration underscores its commitment to family unity and immigrant integration, reducing the hardships faced by families who have been torn apart due to immigration status.

Understanding Form I-131F: A New Path to Family Reunification

Form I-131F, a relatively new form introduced by USCIS under the Keeping Families Together initiative, simplifies the application process for individuals seeking Parole in Place status. Previously, family members of military personnel had to file multiple forms and navigate a complex legal process to secure their status. However, the introduction of Form I-131F streamlines the procedure, allowing a broader range of family members to apply for parole in place with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

Form I-131F allows applicants to request parole in place on behalf of themselves or a qualifying family member, providing critical immigration relief without the need to leave the United States. This form also serves as the main mechanism for accessing the expanded PIP program, making it a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s efforts to protect immigrant families.

Who Qualifies for Parole in Place Under the Biden Executive Action?

Under the new Biden PIP Executive Action, individuals can apply for Parole in Place if they meet the following criteria:

1. Family Relationship
   • Immediate family members (spouses, parents, and children) of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are now eligible to apply for parole in place, even if they do not have military connections.
2. Presence in the United States
   • The applicant must be physically present in the United States. Individuals who entered the country without inspection or who overstayed their visas are still eligible to apply.
3. No Military Requirement
   • Unlike the previous version of the program, the Keeping Families Together initiative no longer requires applicants to be related to military personnel. This significant expansion means that a wider pool of immigrants now has access to this form of relief.
4. Proof of Relationship
   • Applicants must provide documentary evidence proving their relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This may include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records.
5. Demonstrating Good Moral Character
   • As part of the application process, individuals must demonstrate good moral character and that they do not pose a threat to public safety. Applicants with significant criminal records may face challenges in securing parole in place.
6. No Prior Deportation Orders or Certain Immigration Violations
   • Applicants should not have any final orders of removal or certain immigration violations that make them ineligible for relief. However, certain waivers may be available in cases involving prior deportation or other immigration violations.

The Benefits of Parole in Place Through Form I-131F

Obtaining Parole in Place status through Form I-131F provides numerous benefits for immigrant families, including:

• Work Authorization
  • Individuals granted parole in place are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD), allowing them to legally work in the United States. This work authorization offers families financial stability while they navigate the immigration process.
• Protection from Deportation
  • Parole in place provides protection from removal (deportation) for individuals who would otherwise be subject to deportation proceedings. This protection allows families to remain together while resolving their immigration status.
• Pathway to Adjustment of Status
  • Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of parole in place is that it enables individuals to adjust status to lawful permanent residence (green card) without having to leave the United States. This is a critical relief for many undocumented immigrants who would otherwise have to depart the country and face potential re-entry bans.
• Reduced Processing Time
  • The streamlined process through Form I-131F makes applying for parole in place simpler and quicker compared to the previous version of the program. This accelerated timeline provides families with faster access to much-needed immigration relief.

How to Apply for Parole in Place Using Form I-131F

To apply for Parole in Place under the Biden Executive Action, eligible individuals should follow these steps:

1. Complete Form I-131F
   • The first step is to complete Form I-131F, which can be downloaded from the USCIS website. The form requires applicants to provide personal information, details of their immigration status, and documentary evidence supporting their eligibility for parole in place.
2. Submit Supporting Documentation
   • Applicants must submit proof of their relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, as well as any other relevant documentation, such as proof of entry into the U.S. or evidence of good moral character.
3. Attend Biometrics Appointment
   • After submitting the application, applicants will be required to attend a biometrics appointment where their fingerprints and photographs will be taken for background checks.
4. Wait for USCIS Decision
   • Once the application is submitted, USCIS will review the request and either approve or deny the parole in place petition. If approved, the applicant will receive a Parole in Place document, protecting them from deportation and allowing them to apply for further immigration benefits.

Conclusion: Biden’s Executive Action Expands Opportunities for Family Reunification

The expansion of Parole in Place under Biden’s PIP Executive Action represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, broadening access to critical relief for immigrant families beyond the military context. Through the use of Form I-131F, thousands of undocumented family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents now have the opportunity to remain in the United States legally, obtain work authorization, and pursue a pathway to permanent residency. As the administration continues to prioritize family unity, this expanded program is a lifeline for families at risk of separation, helping to keep loved ones together in challenging times.

For more information on how to apply for Parole in Place or for assistance with completing Form I-131F, individuals are encouraged to consult immigration attorneys like those at Shautsova Law Office, or follow updates on Immigration Lawyer NY’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

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