More than half a million undocumented immigrants are expected to be eligible for the new opportunity to “parole in place.” Immigrants must have been in the U.S. for more than 10 years, have no prior deportation history and have a spouse or parent who is an American citizen as of June 17 to qualify.
Those who meet the criteria can apply for approval from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); those approved — which Biden said would be contingent on passing a criminal background check — will then have three years to apply for lawful permanent residency. Undocumented spouses are already eligible for legal residency, but doing so previously required them to leave the country, a process that could take years.
During that period, they will be permitted to remain in the U.S. without threat of deportation and can apply for work permits — a key feature, considering undocumented immigrants across the country are barred from stable jobs or promotions because they lacked legal work authorization.
Michael Kagan, the director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, said the ability to obtain legal residency will be a game-changer for thousands of Nevadans.
“A work permit usually is just for a couple years and expires,” Kagan said. “But this is potentially a lifelong, life-changing measure if it goes into effect.”
Undocumented spouses, and stepchildren under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens, are eligible for the new status. The application process is expected to open by the end of the summer.