Immigration program for undocumented spouses opens. How to apply and how it affects California
As many as 315,000 undocumented immigrants in California can now apply for a legal pathway that could eventually lead to U.S. citizenship.
The federal government began accepting applications on Monday for a new program that allows long-term immigrants married to U.S. citizens to become permanent legal residents. President Joe Biden announced the policy, called “Parole in Place,” in June.
To be eligible, undocumented spouses must be residents in the country for at least 10 years, be married to a citizen as of June 17, 2024, and not have a criminal record. The rule also applies to stepchildren of U.S. citizens who are under 21.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates roughly 500,000 spouses and 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens meet the requirements.
Individuals approved under the program will have three years to apply for permanent residency and are eligible for work authorization during that time.
California’s undocumented population could particularly benefit from the program.
The state is home to the largest number of undocumented individuals in the nation. Roughly 12%, or 315,000, of those California residents are married to U.S. citizens, according to the Migration Policy Institute. It is still unclear how many of these California residents fulfill all the requirements of the new policy.
Advocates acknowledge a future presidential administration could end the program or challenge it in court, so they encourage people to take advantage of the policy now.
“What we know is that the program exists today. … We want to make sure as many families are in the program, even as we know that there are many who see this as a threat,” said Angélica Salas, the executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights at a Monday press conference.
How to apply
To apply, individuals must first create an online account with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Each applicant must then file a Form I-131F, or Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. A parent or legal guardian may create an online account for their child.
The filing fee for an application is $580.
After filing, applicants must provide biometrics, including fingerprints, photographs and a signature. The information will be used to check for criminal history records, verify identity, determine eligibility and create immigration documents.
The status of applications can be checked on each person’s USCIS online account.
How to find out more information
Immigrant legal aid groups in California are beginning to host information sessions and provide resources about the program.
Among those is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, a Los Angeles-based immigrant rights organization. Services include community sessions, screenings and application processing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at its Los Angeles headquarters. No appointment is necessary.
The public may also call the organization’s free hotline — in English and Spanish — at 888-624-4752.
In Sacramento, the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation will offer appointments on Wednesdays to provide information for people who might be eligible. Appointments can be made by calling 916-446-7901 and leaving a voicemail.
This story was originally published August 21, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Immigration program for undocumented spouses opens. How to apply and how it affects California."
