UPDATE 8/26/24: As of August 26, a federal judge has temporarily suspended the ‘Keeping Families Together’ policy,. USCIS will still accept applications, but cannot approve them currently. Get the latest updats, text PATHWAY to 787-57
President Biden’s executive actions on June 18, 2024 promise to provide new opportunities and protections for undocumented individuals and their families. Here’s everything you need to know about these pivotal changes!
1. Keep Families Together Parole in Place (PIP) – A Game-Changer for Families 🏠
What is it?
Keeping Families Together Parole in Place (PIP) is a new program allowing undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. This initiative offers a path to legal status that was previously out of reach for many.
Eligibility for spouses:
- Be present in the U.S. without admission or parole.
- Reside in the U.S. for 10+ years as of June 17,2024
- Legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024
- Meet adjustment of status requirements
- Do not have any disqualifying criminal history and
- Do not pose a threat to national security safety.
Eligibility for step-children:
- Be present in the U.S. without admission or parole.
- Reside in the U.S. since June 17, 2024
- Have a noncitizen parent who was legally married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024 and before the stepchild turned 18.
- Do not have any disqualifying criminal history and
- Do not pose a threat to national security safety.
Key Dates:
- Applications are open on August 19, 2024.
- The fee to apply is $580. No fee waivers or fee exemptions are available for this process at this time.
- Approved individuals will receive a three-year protection period along with work permits. 🌟
This monumental change will potentially benefit hundreds of thousands undocumented individuals, helping families stay together and build their futures with greater security.
2. D-3 Waiver Unleashed – Unlocking Career Opportunities 🚀
What is it?
The D-3, part of the Immigration and Nationality Act §212(d)(3), waiver helps bypass previous barriers to getting employment-based visas (like H-1B). It will now expand eligibility to now excuse a range of inadmissibility grounds, including unlawful presence.
This update to the D-3 waiver guidance means that many employment-based visa applicants who previously needed to risk leaving the U.S.not knowing if and how long it would take to be granted the waiver, will now be able to get it approved before they leave the country.
Eligibility:
- Eligible for an employment-based visa
- Earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution
- Received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree.
Impact: There are currently over 400,000 undocumented students in Higher Education, and over 500,000 college-educated young people, including DACA recipients, who could potentially qualify should they have job offers from US employers in fields related to their degrees, giving them a clearer path to work visas and lawful status.🌟💼
This change will open up significant new opportunities for talented young immigrants, enabling them to contribute their skills and pursue their career aspirations in the U.S.
3. Who Will Benefit? 🌐
- Keep Families Together Parole in Place: This program will offer protection and new opportunities to potentially hundreds of thousands spouses and 50,000 children of U.S. citizens. It’s a major step toward keeping families united and fostering community stability.
- D-3 Waiver: Provides a clearer and quicker path to work visas for college-educated immigrant youth, offering them a more streamlined route to lawful status.
These changes underscore the incredible potential and contributions of immigrant youth, celebrating their role in our communities.
4. What’s Next? 📅
- PIP Rule: Applications are open August 19th, and USCIS has published a detailed FAQ here.
- D-3 Waiver Guidance: New guidance from the Department of State was released on July 15 and added to the Foreign Affairs Manual, streamlining visa processes and expanding opportunities.
*Be sure to seek trustworthy and reliable legal information and advice so you don’t fall for scams and misinformation. Here’s how to find good legal help.*
These upcoming developments are exciting milestones, but they also mark the beginning of an ongoing journey toward more comprehensive protections for immigrant communities. 🚀✨
5. Get Informed and Stay Engaged!
Text PATHWAY to 787-57 to stay updated on these changes and how they might impact you or your loved ones. Also check out these additional resources:
– The D-3 Waiver and H-1B Visa: FAQ for Students
– From Higher Ed Immigration Portal: D-3 Waivers
– From WD: Streamlining D-3 Waivers for DACA Recipients & Others
–USCIS FAQs:- From Dept of State: Easing the Nonimmigrant Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates
In Summary
President Biden’s new executive actions represent a significant step forward for immigrant rights. The Parole in Place program and the updated D-3 waiver guidance are monumental changes that offer protection and new opportunities for many. While these measures are a win for immigrant communities, the fight for more comprehensive and permanent protections continues.
Join the movement, stay informed, and continue advocating for the changes our communities need. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future!
