Maison Law Immigration Lawyers helps people in California understand the immigration process. Many California families are made up of a mix of immigrants, some with full citizenship and others looking for options to gain full citizenship. This is the thrust of the Keeping Families Together program that was recently put into place by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you want to learn more about the program, contact us today to set up a consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for the Keeping Families Together Program?
Even as an immigrant or noncitizen, the entire process of trying to keep up with your immigration status can be very challenging. With that said, you don’t technically need a lawyer if you want to apply for the Keeping Families Together program. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that not having a lawyer is beneficial.
In fact, because the Keeping Families Together program is new and quite competitive, you want to do everything you can to make sure you have a successful application. One of the best ways to do that is to work with our lawyers. With our experience and resources, we can:
- Explaining your options and how the application process works
- Helping you get all the necessary documentation and evidence
- Guiding you through the application process itself
- Making things easier for you while you focus on your family
The prospect of having your family broken up by the deportation process is an ever-present reality for many immigrants in California. Programs like Keeping Families Together are there to make sure that your life doesn’t have to be uprooted and you have a path to full citizenship. That alone should be enough of a reason to work with our lawyers, but there’s other things to know about the program itself.
What Else Should You Know About the Keeping Families Together Program?
Although it’s faced recent legal challenges, the Keeping Families Together program is still a viable option for certain nonimmigrants. That said, it’s important to look at the specifics of the program before getting into how the process works.
Basically, the Keeping Families Together program is designed for:
- Nonimmigrant spouses that have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years
- Qualifying stepchildren that meet the same criteria
Once eligible, you can proceed to actually filing for the program. However, even before getting to that step, there may be things that disqualify you like:
- Having a criminal record
- Being classified as a national security risk.
Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, so it’s important to look at the actual process to understand what you’re up against.
How Can I Apply For the Keeping Families Together Program?
One of the main reasons you’d need a lawyer if you’re considering the Keeping Families Together program is because the application process is very competitive and can be confusing. According to DHS data, nearly 500,000 nonimmigrant spouses are potentially eligible to file an application.
So, you’re probably wondering what the actual application process is like. Here’s a quick overview:
- Complete Form I-131F – The first step is filling out Form I-131F, the Application for Parole in Place for Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. This form asks for essential details and supporting documents. A $580 filing fee will also need to be paid.
- Provide evidence – You must submit proof that you meet the program’s requirements, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, passport, or other residency documents.
- Biometrics appointment – In some cases, you may need to attend a biometrics appointment to verify your identity.
Like any part of the immigration process, these steps are just a general outline of what to expect. Once again, every Keeping Families Together application is going to be decided on a case-by-case basis. That means your individual story is going to factor heavily into the DHS’ decision. That’s why it’s important to have the right support and guidance, which our team at Maison Immigration is happy to provide you.
Experienced Immigration Lawyers Can Help You With the Keeping Families Together Program
The Keeping Families Together program is designed for a certain subset of immigrants already living in California with their families. But, even if you meet the requirements, the application process and its associated challenges can be overwhelming.
That’s where our team at Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can step in and help. We have the experience and resources your family needs during this process. To get started, contact us today for an initial consultation.
