Have Questions About Parole in Place? Our Portland Immigration Lawyers Can Help

At Vanderwall Immigration, our Portland immigration lawyers have extensive experience helping clients navigate Parole in Place (PIP) applications and other discretionary immigration options. PIP is a form of immigration relief that can be granted to the immediate family of U.S.  military members and veterans. When granted, PIP allows a person to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.. Parole in Place is always granted on a case-by-case basis. If you have any specific questions about your options for Parole in Place, please do not hesitate to contact our Oregon immigration attorney for a confidential consultation.

What is Parole in Place (PIP)?

As described by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Parole in Place or PIP is a unique and wholly discretionary immigration option that is designed specifically to provide immigration relief to their immediate family members of military personnel. The family of both current military personnel and U.S. military veterans may potentially qualify for Parole in Place. 

Broadly explained, PIP permits an undocumented to person to remain in the United States lawfully. They are granted with the authorization both to stay in the country and to take employment. Notably, Parole in Place can also eventually allow a person to apply for a green card through an adjustment of status. 

Understanding Eligibility for Parole in Place 

Can you apply for Parole in Place in Oregon? The answer depends on whether or not you meet all of the basic eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, not every person has the ability to seek immigration relief through a PIP application with the USCIS. In order to obtain Parole in Place relief, a person must be a military member or military veteran or an immediate family member of a military member or a military veteran. As the U.S. military generally does not accept undocumented immigrants as members, most people who apply for Parole in Place are the family members of military members. You may eligible for PIP if: 

  1. You are the spouse, parent, or child (under 21) of a military member or military veteran; 
  2. You do not have a serious criminal history; and
  3. You reside in and have remained in the United States

Note: Satisfying these requirements does not guarantee that a Parole in Place application will be approved by USCIS. Indeed, an application for PIP can be denied for any reason. The immigration benefit is fully discretionary. 

Know the Benefits of Military Parole in Place

For those who do qualify, Parole in Place offers significant benefits. Indeed, it is one of the most effective forms of immigration relief for people who meet the standards. Here are four specific advantages of having your Parole in Place application approved by USCIS: 

  1. You will receive authorization to stay lawfully in the United States; 
  2. You have the eligibility to apply for a work permit (a lawyer can help); 
  3. You will be protected against deportation from the country; and
  4. You may have the opportunity to apply for a green card. 

How to Apply for Parole in Place Immigration Relief 

To apply for Parole in Place, you will need to submit an application with USCIS. Here is a basic overview of what you need to do to submit your PIP application: 

  1. You must complete and submit USCIS Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document); 
  2. You need to gather and prepare all relevant supporting documentation, including proof of a qualifying relationship with a military member and proof of residence in the U.S.; and
  3. You should provide supplemental evidence that emphasizes any factor in your favor—these being reasons why you should be allowed to remain in the country (education, health, family, community, etc). 

PIP is Fully Discretionary: Case-by-Case Basis

It is crucial to understand that PIP is granted on a discretionary and case-by-case basis by USCIS. Once again, this means that even if an applicant meets all the eligibility criteria, there is no guarantee that they will get their petition approved. The USCIS assesses each application meticulously, considering various factors to determine whether to grant PIP to the applicant. With this in mind, it is vital that applicants for Parole in Place present a thorough, accurate, and well-supported application. You do not have to tackle the PIP process alone. An Oregon immigration lawyer with experience handling Parole in Place applications can help you put together the strongest possible case for immigration relief. 

Parole in Place: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Primary Purpose of the Parole in Place Program?

The primary purpose of Parole in Place (PIP) is to provide certain undocumented family members of U.S. military service members a chance to stay in the United States. PIP permits these individuals to apply for a green card without leaving the country, providing them with legal status and protecting them from deportation, thus ensuring the well-being and unity of military families.

Can You Get a Green Card Through Parole in Place?

Yes. It is possible to use Parole in Place to help apply for a green card. Upon approval of PIP, applicants can proceed to apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. This process involves submitting Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An experienced immigration lawyer can help you with your green card application. 

Why Would a Parole in Place Application Be Denied?

There is no guarantee that your Parole in Place application will be approved by USCIS. Indeed, a PIP application could be rejected for several reasons. Here are some common factors that could lead to the denial of a PIP application:

  • Criminal History: Applicants with a serious criminal background may be considered ineligible for PIP.
  • Incomplete Application: Missing information or documents can result in application denial.
  • Failure to Meet Eligibility: Not meeting the basic eligibility criteria (being an immediate relative of U.S. military personnel and presence in the U.S.) will result in denial.

Beyond these reasons, it is important to remember that PIP is a discretionary decision. As an application for Parole in Place is always evaluated on a case-by-case basis by USCIS, it is possible for an application to be denied even if all eligibility requirements are met.

Why Rely On the Parole in Place Immigration Attorneys at Vanderwall Immigration 

Navigating an immigration case is complicated—especially so when you are dealing with a Parole in Place petition where immigration officials have significant discretionary authority. As PIP can offer significant benefits, it is imperative that you are able to present the strongest possible case. At Vanderwall Immigration, our law firm is devoted to uniting families through immigration. We help people with all aspects of Parole in Place cases. When you contact our Salem office or our Beaverton office, you will have an opportunity to connect with an Oregon immigration attorney who can: 

  • Listen to your story and answer questions about the Parole in Place process.
  • Investigate your case—helping you gather the evidence you need. 
  • Handle all of the Parole in Place paperwork.
  • Take action to help you obtain the best outcome.  

Contact Our Portland, OR Parole in Place Immigration Lawyer Today

At Vanderwall Immigration, our Oregon immigration attorney is committed to providing solutions-driven legal representation in Parole in Place cases. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your PIP options, we are here to help. Contact us today to set up your strictly confidential, no-obligation consultation. From our law offices in Beaverton and Salem, we help clients with Parole in Place (PIP) in Portland and throughout the surrounding region in Oregon.