United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers Parole in Place (PIP) as a form of discretionary immigration relief designated for military personnel and their families, granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons. PIP can enable an undocumented individual to remain in the United States, obtain a work permit, and eventually, secure a green card.
Yet, a pressing question often arises: Can Parole in Place be denied? The answer is affirmative; this discretionary benefit may be declined by USCIS for various reasons. In this article, our Portland immigration attorney provides an insightful overview of some of the most common grounds for Parole in Place denials.
Five Frequent Reasons for Parole in Place Denials:
Incomplete or Inaccurate Application
Among the most prevalent rationales for Parole in Place denial is the submission of an incomplete or inaccurate application. It is imperative to respond accurately and comprehensively to each question on the application form. Omissions or inaccuracies can lead to immediate denial. It is vital to ensure that your application for PIP is meticulously prepared and well-supported.
- Inadequate Proof of Military Connection
Parole in Place is exclusively intended for immediate relatives of U.S. military members. In the absence of substantial proof demonstrating a genuine connection to a current or former U.S. military service member, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is likely to deny the application.
- Lack of Proof of U.S. Residency
Applicants are required to furnish compelling evidence of their residency in the United States. Evidence of residency can encompass various documents such as utility bills, rental agreements, or employment records. These documents must validate the applicant’s physical presence within the country.
- Criminal History
A criminal record can pose a substantial barrier to obtaining Parole in Place. Applicants with a criminal history, particularly those involving felonies or crimes of moral turpitude, are prone to application denial. If you are applying for PIP and possess a criminal record, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is imperative.
- Discretionary Denial
It is crucial to acknowledge that USCIS exercises discretion in PIP approval. Even if an applicant fulfills all prerequisites and submits a comprehensive and accurate application, USCIS may exercise its right to deny the request. In essence, you may meet all the core requirements of the program and still encounter difficulty securing Parole in Place. An experienced immigration attorney can assist in preparing an application that presents you as a strong candidate for PIP, potentially increasing your chances of approval.
Contact Our Portland Parole In Place Attorney Today
At Vanderwall Immigration, our Oregon immigration lawyer possesses significant experience handling PIP cases. Should you have inquiries concerning Parole in Place, we stand ready to provide assistance. Please contact us to schedule a fully confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. Operating from our law offices in Beaverton and Salem, we offer support to clients facing Parole in Place challenges in Portland and the surrounding region.