Extended Pause on Family Parole in Place Program & More
Temporary Halt on “Keeping Families Together” Program Extended
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas originally issued a temporary halt on the “Keeping Families Together” program on August 26, 2024. This administrative stay paused the adjudication of new parole requests for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. On September 4, 2024, the court extended the halt through September 23, 2024. The court will revisit the case on September 23rd to determine whether the stay should remain in place or if the program can resume adjudicating applications. Looking ahead, the court is expected to make a more definitive ruling in late September or early October on the legality of the program.
While the program remains paused for new parole adjudication, any applications that were granted before the initial August 26 halt are not affected. The USCIS is continuing to accept filings for Form I-131F and conducted biometric appointments during this period. For assistance or updates, please feel free to contact our office.
Naturalization Surge Ahead of 2024 Elections
The U.S. is currently processing citizenship applications at a record pace, resulting in thousands of immigrants becoming U.S. citizens each week. This surge is partly due to the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce application times and clear backlogs from previous years. With 3.3 million new citizens naturalized during President Biden’s tenure, many of these new citizens are eager to participate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Key states like Georgia and Arizona are witnessing significant increases in voting-age naturalized citizens, which could potentially influence the outcome of the election.
September 2024 Visa Bulletin
In September 2024, USCIS is accepting applications to adjust status to permanent residency based on the Dates of Filing Chart below. Notably, applicants from Mexico who are in the F4 category, sibling of a U.S. Citizen, with a priority date on or before April 30, 2001 are now eligible to apply for permanent residency.
| Category | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | C | 01NOV22 | 01FEB22 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 15MAR23 | 01MAR20 | 15JUL12 | 15MAR23 | 15MAR23 |
| EB-3 | 01DEC20 | 01SEP20 | 22OCT12 | 01DEC20 | 01DEC20 |
| Other Workers | 01JAN21 | 01JAN17 | 22OCT12 | 01DEC20 | 01MAY20 |
| EB-4 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| Religious Workers | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | C | 15DEC15 | 01DEC20 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (All Types) | C | C | C | C | C |
What About the Other Biden Initiative? Streamlining the 212(d)(3) Waiver Process
On June 18, 2024, President Biden Announced Two New Actions to Keep Families Together.
The Parole in Place Initiative for certain spouses of US Citizens and Easing the Visa Process for US College Graduates, Including Dreamers.
Sarah Monty, Immigration Partner, will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 pm to discuss the Other Biden Initiative – Easing the Visa Process for US College Graduates, Including Dreamers.
- What is involved in the Waiver Process?
- Who would qualify?
- What the Biden Administration as done so far to streamline the 212 (d) (3) option?
Sign up now to participate in the webinar!
Questions About Immigration Policy or Visa Strategy?
Whether you’re an employer, individual applicant, or family member navigating these updates, our team is here to help.
📞 Call Monty & Ramirez LLP at 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
✅ We Know What Works.