Keeping Families Together Initiative: Application Process for Noncitizen Spouses Begins August 2024

Keeping Families Together: Application Process Set to Begin

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the implementation date for the Keeping Families Together initiative. The application process is set to commence on August 19, 2024. This program aims to benefit noncitizen spouses who have been living in the United States without admission or parole and have maintained a continuous presence for at least a decade as of June 17, 2024. Eligible candidates must also be married to a U.S. citizen by the qualifying date.

According to the new guidelines, applicants are required to file a specific form with USCIS, accompanied by essential supporting documents. An administrative fee will also be applicable. The detailed application procedures will be outlined in a forthcoming Federal Register notice, providing clear instructions for those seeking to benefit from this initiative.

Critical Background Checks and Discretionary Grant Consideration

The integrity of the Keeping Families Together program will be reinforced through stringent background checks and national security and public safety vetting conducted by USCIS. This measure is designed to root out potential fraud and ensure only eligible individuals benefit from the initiative. The parole grant process will be discretionary and handled on a case-by-case basis, thoroughly examining each applicant’s immigration history, criminal record, and other pertinent information.

In an effort to extend assistance beyond just the noncitizen spouses, the initiative also encompasses noncitizen children. If these children are physically present in the United States without admission or parole, and if they have a qualifying stepchild relationship to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, they too may be considered for parole. This aspect amplifies the program’s potential to foster family unity significantly.

Documentation and Awareness

Prospective applicants must prepare various forms of evidence to substantiate their claims. These documents include marriage certificates, proof of identity, proof of continuous presence in the United States, and evidence of the U.S. citizenship of the spouse. Gathering accurate documentation is crucial to streamline the application process and avoid unnecessary delays.

USCIS has issued warnings about potential immigration scams, advising individuals to tread cautiously and refrain from engaging services that offer premature assistance before the official application period begins. The Keeping Families Together initiative is estimated to impact over 500,000 noncitizen spouses and approximately 50,000 children who have been residents of the U.S. for an average span of 23 years. It is part of the broader efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance family unity and reform the immigration system, complementing other measures such as the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the USCIS to You initiative.