Keeping Families Together: USCIS Begins Accepting Applications

The Department of Homeland Security has announced a Federal Register notice to implement the Keeping Families Together initiative. This process is designed to benefit certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, aiming to promote family unity and stability, boost economic prosperity in American communities, strengthen diplomatic ties with partner countries, reduce strain on U.S. government resources, and enhance national security, public safety, and border security.

Starting on August 19, 2024, USCIS began accepting applications from eligible individuals for this process. Applicants must file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online after creating a myUSCIS account. The filing fee is $580, and fee waiver requests for Form I-131F will not be accepted.

Eligibility requirements for noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens include:

• Being present in the U.S. without admission or parole;
• Continuous physical presence in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014 through the date of filing;
• A legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
• No disqualifying criminal history and not being considered a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
• Submission of biometrics and completion of required background checks and vetting.

Eligibility requirements for noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens include:

• Being under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
• Being present in the U.S. without admission or parole;
• Continuous physical presence in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2024 through the date of filing;
• Having a noncitizen parent who married a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18th birthday;
• No disqualifying criminal history and not being considered a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
• Submission of biometrics and completion of required background checks and vetting.

USCIS is committed to ensuring the integrity of this program and protecting against fraud. DHS estimates that 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens may be eligible. If granted parole, these individuals could apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country.

USCIS has published additional information about eligibility criteria, the application process, required evidence, how to create an online account and file Form I-131F online, and tips on avoiding scams. More details are available on the Keeping Families Together page (https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether).