California “Keeping Families Together” Lawyer

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Maison Law Immigration Lawyers helps anyone in California looking to explore their citizenship options and any other immigration issues that can come up.

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There’s a variety of options for obtaining legal residency in California, and one of the most recent involves the Department of Homeland Security’s “Keeping Families Together” program.

For more information and guidance on how this program can help you, contact us today for an initial consultation.

Should You Hire Our Lawyers?

Individuals can file Form I-131F to apply for parole in place under the “Keeping Families Together” program. This can be done without the assitance of a lawyer.

However, Maison Law Immigration Lawyer can help expedite the process by gathering the required paperwork and assisting with the filing of the required forms. We offer a free consultation to those who are interested in hiring a lawyer. Facing immigration issues can be scary and unsettling, especially when you risk losing the ability to stay with your family. We are proud to support you as you navigate your immigration process.

With our experience and guidance, we can:

Explain your options
Help you through the application process
Support your application from start to finish with evidence and documentation
Appeal the decision, if necessary
Simplify the process for you and your family

You don’t need a lawyer to file an application or to gain parole in place status, but given the fact that it’s often a challenging and confusing process, having our team on your side can make all the difference.

What is the “Keeping Families Together” Program?

When it was announced by President Joe Biden on June 18, 2024, the “Keeping Families Together” program (headed by the DHS and USCIS) outlined a parole in place option for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren that are currently living in the United States with their full-citizen spouse.

Under the program’s requirements, these noncitizen spouses and stepchildren can apply for parole in place if they:

Are present in the United States without admission or parole;
Have been continuously physically present in the United States since June 17^th, 2024;
Have:
- A legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17^th, 2024, if seeking parole in place as the spouse of a U.S. citizen; or
- A noncitizen parent who had a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17^th, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18^th birthday, if seeking parole in place as the stepchild of a U.S. citizen;
Do not have any disqualifying criminal history; and
Do not pose a threat to national security and public safety.

Spouses and stepchildren with a criminal history or national security concerns are ineligible. If approved, you have three years to apply for a green card, obtain a temporary work permit, and avoid deportation. The program’s goal is to keep family units together, providing them with important stability and support.

*Update: as of late August, there has been some pushback on eligibility. Most notibly, a judge in Texas recently paused this program after 16 states, led by Republican attorneys general pushed back against it. However, we still urge families to apply.

Application Process for the “Keeping Families Together” Program

USCIS has introduced a new form for those applying for parole in place status. The Application for Parole in Place, Form I-131F, must be completed and submitted online. Each individual seeking an adjustment of status, including children, must submit their own Form I-131F and create an online account with USCIS.

Applications for the “Keeping Families Together” program will be reviewed on a “case-by-case” basis by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The process will involve:

Meeting eligibility requirements
Creating an account with USCIS
Completing the Form I-131F
Providing supporting documentation
USCIS application review, assessing if parole should be granted
Background checks and national security vetting
Notification of status

Required Documents for "Keeping Families Together" Program

The “Keeping Families Together” program is going to require certain documentation to establish that you meet the requirements and that your application should be approved by the USCIS. But because it’s on a “case-by-case” basis, it means that approval isn’t necessarily guaranteed. This is where our team can step in and make sure you have what you need for a successful application. Here’s a preliminary look at the documentation you’ll need:

Proof of residency – The first thing you’ll need to show is that you’ve lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years continuously. This means providing things like rental agreements, utility bills, school records, or work records.
Proof of relationship – Next, you’ll need documents that prove you are legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024. This means providing a marriage certificate, joint bank account statements, or affidavits from friends and family.
Positive benefit – Lastly, you’ll need to actually show that you’ll benefit from the program. This means providing things that the USCIS will use to look positively on your application. This can include things like letters of recommendation, certificates of achievement, or proof of community involvement.

The steps in this program are going to vary from person to person, so not all of these steps may apply to your situation. It’s important to be patient and gather all the necessary documents for your application to avoid mistakes and longer wait times.

Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Can Help

At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, our goal is to help your family stay together, using every legal avenue possible. Our experienced lawyers keep you informed about your case every step of the way, and can help you. We want you to approach the program with confidence. Contact us today to set up a one-on-one consultation.