USCIS Keeping Families Together Requirements
Keeping Families Together is a program designed to allow certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to remain in the United States while they wait for their immigration cases to be processed.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Noncitizen Spouse:
- Must have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024.
- Must be present in the United States without admission or parole.
- Must have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing the application for parole. If there is a break in the continuous presence you maybe ineligible.
- Must not present a threat to public safety, national security, or border security.
- Noncitizen Stepchild:
- Must be present in the United States without admission or parole.
- Under the age of 21and unmarried on June 17, 2024.
- Must have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing the application for parole. If there is a break in the continuous presence you maybe ineligible.
- Must meet the statutory definition of a stepchild of a U.S. citizen based on their parent’s legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024 (and before the child’s 18th birthday).
- Must not present a threat to public safety or national security.
Additional Considerations:
- Criminal History: Any pending criminal charge or certain criminal convictions may disqualify individuals from eligibility.
- National Security: Individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security may be ineligible.
- Urgent Humanitarian Reasons or Significant Public Benefit: While the above criteria are essential, USCIS may also consider other factors, such as urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, on a case-by-case basis.
For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the USCIS website:https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether
Form I-131F is the applicable form.
Please note: This information is intended as a general overview and may not cover all specific requirements or exceptions. It’s always recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for personalized advice.