What is
Parole in Place?
Parole in Place (PIP) for Military Families
Recognizing the sacrifices made by active U.S. service members, veterans, and reservists, the government enabled Parole in Place (PIP) as an immigration avenue that supports certain undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel, granting them opportunities to remain in the country. Even if these family members entered the U.S. without lawful authorization, Parole in Place can help them obtain legal status.
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Who Qualifies for Parole in Place?
Parole in Place was designed to protect the families of service members and should not be confused with regular parole or release from detention, although these are also forms of humanitarian immigration relief. PIP provides family stability and peace of mind specifically for military personnel. It is the result of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which allows the Department of Homeland Security to grant parole for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The families of U.S. service members deserve to stay together, with the means to build a safe future in the country they helped protect.
According to USCIS, Parole in Place applies to:
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Eligible Family Members
- Spouses, parents, and unmarried children of active-duty members, reservists, or veterans.
- Service members whose undocumented families may qualify for PIP must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
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Service Members Covered
- Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Individuals in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
- Veterans (whether still living or deceased) who previously served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and were not dishonorably discharged.
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Ineligibility or Exceptions
Certain service members might be ineligible for Parole in Place if they have:
- Past immigration violations such as multiple illegal entries or prior deportations.
- Felony convictions or other severe criminal offenses.
- Shown signs of posing a threat to national security or public safety.
- Provided fraudulent information or fake documents.
- USCIS may exercise discretionary approval, which means that even if someone meets the basic eligibility requirements, their Parole in Place application could be denied.
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Benefits of Parole in Place
The main benefits of military Parole in Place include:
- Protection from deportation while PIP is active: there isn’t a fixed maximum duration for PIP status, but it is typically renewed on a yearly basis and may be sustained until successful adjustment of status or termination dictated by USCIS.
- Work authorization (EAD): upon approval, you could obtain a Work Authorization Document and work lawfully within the United States. This not only changes your quality of life but also allows you to build financial stability.
- Pathway to adjustment of status (green card): you may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country. This keeps families together and relieves the stress and uncertainty that comes with traveling abroad for visa proceedings. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through the specific requirements involved in this step.
- Family stability: Parole in Place keeps families together and safe during/after their relative’s military service. Those who serve the United States can focus on their duties with the comforting knowledge that their families are exactly where they’re meant to be.
- Peace of mind: for individuals in the military who must face complex and dangerous situations, having peace of mind is priceless. In the effort of caring for their mental well-being, the Parole in Place program plays a crucial role in supporting our troops and veterans emotionally and financially.
How to Apply for Parole in Place
You do not have to face the Parole in Place application process on your own. The chance of a successful request is much higher with a reliable immigration attorney on your side. Here’s what you can expect:
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1. Consult an Attorney and Prepare Your Documents
- Your immigration attorney will help you identify proof of a qualifying relationship to an active-duty member of U.S. armed forces, veteran, or reservist.
- Provide proof of a qualifying family member’s military status: Form DD-214, military ID, enlistment verification, among others.
- Submit proof of identity and immigration history: government-issued IDs and Form I-94, if available.
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2. Have Your Attorney Complete the Application
- Your trusted immigration attorney will gather the required documentation outlined above and ensure that there is sufficient proof of a qualifying relationship, service status, and personal identification.
- Form I-131: Your attorney will complete Form I-131 specifically for Parole in Place.
- If supporting documentation is required, your attorney will help you acquire it before filing the application. Such documentation could be proof of good moral character, proof of continuous residence in the U.S., and a cover letter explaining the reasons behind your request.
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3. Submit Through the Appropriate USCIS Office
- Filing locations and requirements may vary. Your attorney will prepare and submit the full request on your behalf to the correct USCIS office.
- You should not mail the application to any USCIS office at random.
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4. Await a Decision from USCIS
- Parole in Place processing times differ by region.
- Your trusted immigration attorney will track your case and guide you on the next steps once a decision is made.
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Required Documents Checklist
Based on USCIS Parole in Place standards, you should provide the following documentation:
- Proof of military service: military ID, Form DD-214, enlistment verification, and deployment orders (if applicable).
- Proof of family relationships: birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption or guardianship records, etc.
- Government-issued identification: passport, national ID, or consular ID.
- Proof of residence in the U.S.: Utility bills, lease agreements, medical records, pay stubs, etc.
- Two passport-style photos: usually requested on Form I-131.
- Cover letter: while not required, you may provide a letter detailing your situation and the relationship to your qualifying relative.
Can Parole in Place Lead to a Green Card?
Parole in Place for military families allows certain undocumented relatives of U.S. service members, veterans, or reservists to adjust their status without leaving the United States. Under INA §245(a), an individual must have been “inspected and admitted or paroled” to apply for a green card from within the country. PIP provides this “paroled” entry even if the individual originally entered the U.S. unlawfully.
Although PIP removes the unlawful-entry barrier that prevents adjustment of status, it does not guarantee a green card. Beneficiaries must still qualify through a valid family-based relationship and meet all other eligibility and admissibility requirements. An immigration attorney with experience in Parole in Place adjustment of status can guide you through each eligibility scenario.
Obtaining a green card is usually possible when the applicant has a qualifying immediate-relative relationship, such as:
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1. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
A spouse of a U.S. citizen who receives military Parole in Place becomes “paroled” and may then apply for a green card directly with USCIS, assuming no other bars apply. Always confirm eligibility with your attorney.
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2. Being the Parent of an Adult U.S. Citizen (21+)
In most cases, a parent who is granted PIP may adjust status based on their U.S. citizen child’s petition. This is common for parents of service members or veterans.
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3. Certain Minor Children of U.S. Citizens
Underage children of U.S. citizens who receive PIP may also qualify for a green card within the country.
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Other Services We Specialize In
The main cases that we handle at the firm are:
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VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) enables a pathway to immigration relief based on certain problems in the relationship with a citizen or resident spouse (or ex-spouse), or citizen child of legal age.
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U Visa
The U Visa is a visa for victims of certain crimes committed within the U.S.—as long as there is a police report about what happened.
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T Visa
The T Visa is a visa for victims of certain types of mistreatment at work, at home, or by a coyote upon entry to the United States.
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Deportation Defense
Legal defense services in immigration court for individuals facing deportation proceedings.
How Our Immigration Team Can Help
At first glance, all the available options of immigration relief might appear overwhelming or confusing, making it difficult to pinpoint which one works best for your individual situation. Securing the support of experienced attorneys can certainly provide clarity and adequate guidance throughout the Parole in Place application process. Our dedicated legal team is prepared to search for all the potential alternatives for reaching legal status, always aiming for solutions that let you do so within the United States.
At the Lisinski Law Firm, our priority is to keep families together, with their documents in order and the resources they need to build a safe future. We value transparency, clear and timely communication with our clients, accuracy when filing petitions, and the will to fight even in the toughest of cases. We know that finding reliable immigration help for PIP isn’t easy—but we’re here to change that.
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Step-by-Step Guidance
Our service is distinguished by personalized and meticulous guidance. We understand that immigration proceedings are complicated, which is why we have designed a step-by-step application process that keeps clients informed on both the small details and big milestones in their case.
We review eligibility criteria carefully, submit the appropriate documents to USCIS, and pursue the immigration benefits available in each case. Legal representation makes a big difference, as it may increase the odds of obtaining positive results in your Parole in Place application.
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Experienced in Humanitarian Immigration
Our mission to change as many lives as possible remains successful because we work on humanitarian cases such as the U Visa, the T Visa, VAWA, and we also work with military families. Many immigrants are not aware that they could qualify for these cases, but fortunately, we have found ways to help them win documents completely within the country.
As dedicated immigration lawyers, we handle tough cases with innovative strategies and look for solutions instead of excuses. We pay close attention to detail in each application to ensure that the client meets the Parole in Place requirements and has a solid chance to reach legal status. Even if a case appears difficult, we do not give up—we fight for justice and the dignity of all immigrant families.
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Common Questions About Parole in Place
How long does Parole in Place last?
PIP is typically granted in one-year increments, though the length can vary depending on the case.
Can Parole in Place be renewed?
Yes. PIP can generally be renewed each year as long as eligibility continues and no disqualifying issues arise. Contact a reliable immigration attorney to learn more about potential reasons for PIP termination.
What happens if my service member relative separates from the military?
Separation from the military does not automatically end eligibility, especially for veterans who served honorably. However, USCIS still evaluates each case individually and can consider the current circumstances when reviewing renewals.
Does PIP guarantee a green card?
No. PIP only provides a temporary lawful parole status. You still must qualify for permanent residence through an eligible family relationship and meet all other requirements.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing times vary by USCIS field office, but PIP decisions often take several months. Timelines can change based on workload and location.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but many applicants choose one to help prepare a strong application, avoid mistakes, and address any potential immigration issues.
Does Parole in Place forgive unlawful entry?
PIP does not erase an unlawful entry, but it provides a lawful “parole” status that could make the person eligible to adjust status within the U.S. under INA §245(a).
How long does it take to get a Parole in Place decision from USCIS?
Most applicants receive a decision in a few months, but actual Parole in Place timelines vary depending on the field office’s volume of cases.
Can veterans’ family members apply for Parole in Place?
Yes. Certain spouses, parents, and children of honorably discharged veterans may qualify for PIP.
What if my military relative is in the Reserves or National Guard?
Family members of Selected Reserve or Ready Reserve members may qualify for PIP. USCIS reviews these cases under the same discretionary framework as active-duty families.
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Why choose us?
Client-Centered
High Success Rates
Nationwide Clients
For immigration representation, we can serve anyone throughout the United States as a matter of Federal law. In fact, many of our clients are in other states, so we have plenty of experience working closely with clients from long distances. We are available day and night to meet with clients by phone or other virtual means, no matter where you may be located. We welcome all our clients to visit our offices across the United States, if they want to, but they will never have to do so in order to start an immigration case.
Available & Reliable
- Hours of In-Person Operation:Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Extended Support Hours: 24/7 legal team at your service.
Client-Centered
High Success Rates
Nationwide Clients
For immigration representation, we can serve anyone throughout the United States as a matter of Federal law. In fact, many of our clients are in other states, so we have plenty of experience working closely with clients from long distances. We are available day and night to meet with clients by phone or other virtual means, no matter where you may be located. We welcome all our clients to visit our offices across the United States, if they want to, but they will never have to do so in order to start an immigration case.
Available & Reliable
- Hours of In-Person Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Extended Support Hours: 24/7 legal team at your service.
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