Parole in place or PIP is a process that may allow some family members of active duty military personnel to be able to remain in the United States even if they did not lawfully enter the United States. If parole in place is granted, the family member may then be eligible to file for adjustment of status in order to become a permanent resident and to get a green card.
Who can parole in place help?
In most cases, a person who did not enter the United States lawfully cannot apply for a green card while in the United States. This is often the situation for someone who entered without inspection (EWI) such as by being smuggled into the United States. Instead, in order for a person who did not lawfully enter the United States to get a green card they must normally apply for an immigrant visa in their home country. This process can lead to lengthy family separations. This type of family separation can be very stressful to military families and can interfere with the ability of the person serving on active duty to focus on his or her military duties.
PIP can assist some immediate family members of people on active duty by providing a path to get a green card without having to leave the United States and endure a family separation.
What are the risks?
By filing a parole in place application, you will be bringing the family member’s unlawful status to the attention of USCIS. If the PIP application is not granted, there would be a risk that the family member could be placed in deportation proceedings. With this in mind, it is very important that you discuss your case with an immigration lawyer who is familiar with parole in place before you submit your application. In particular, you should talk to your immigration lawyer about your complete immigration history (including all attempts to cross the border or other immigration violations) and whether you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. With this information, your immigration lawyer will be able to help you evaluate whether you are a good candidate for PIP.
How do I learn more about parole in place?
If you are interested in learning more about parole in place, you should discuss your situation with either an immigration lawyer who is familiar with parole in place applications or with your legal assistance office. Because of the possible risks involved with submitting a PIP application, it is very important that you fully understand the process and confirm that you qualify before your submit your application.
If you would like to discuss your case with a DC immigration lawyer or an immigration lawyer in Northern Virginia, please contact the Schaefer Law firm by phone at (202) 642-4529 or by email.