Are you wondering if you qualify for military parole in place (MIL PIP)? This Obama-era program allows spouses, children, or parents of veterans or active military personnel to apply for an adjustment of status and possibly obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States, even though they initially entered the country illegally.
If you’re hoping to apply for MIL PIP, you’re going to need the services of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process. We explore the MIL PIP policy below and explain everything you need to know about the requirements and application process.
BOARD-CERTIFIED LAWYER FOR IMMIGRATION: ALFREDO LOZANO OF LOZANO LAW FIRM
As a first-generation American, and a former Marine, our founder and leading attorney Alfredo Lozano has a special connection to the hard-working people who are either currently serving in the Armed Forces or who are now veterans, and seek our firm’s legal help for their immigration issues. At The Lozano Law Firm, we serve the communities of San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Laredo and San Angelo, Texas, with professional legal representation, using our skill and knowledge to create immigration solutions for individuals, families, and corporations.
As attorneys specializing in immigration and nationality law, you can feel confident that you’re in excellent hands when choosing our firm. To schedule your first case consultation, call our law office today at (210) 899-2290.
Our Immigration Law Firm has tremendous experience with MIL PIP. Many of our clients are service members, and many of our office locations are near Military Bases. As such, our law firm has had many years of exposure to Military Immigration Programs, such as PIP.
Our Service Members are usually stationed at:
Goodfellow Air Force Base (San Angelo, TX)
Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, TX)
Laughlin Air Force Base (Del Rio, TX)
Randolph Air Force Base (Universal City, TX)
Fort Hood Army Base (Killeen, TX)
Fort Sam Houston Army Base (San Antonio, TX)
Camp Bullis Army Base (San Antonio, TX)
Camp Mabry Army Base (Austin, TX)
Corpus Christi Army Depot (Corpus Christi, TX)
**If you live on base or near the base your designated USCIS Interview office would be in San Antonio, TX, where we have our principal office.
WHAT IS MIL PIP?
In 2013, the Obama administration established the MIL-PIP policy, also known as discretionary parole. Typically, undocumented immigrants in the United States don’t qualify for an immigrant Visa or Green Card unless they leave the country and go through consular processing.
However, MIL PIP allows family members of a current or former member of the Armed Forces to adjust their immigration status and apply for a green card without leaving the country, even though they entered the United States illegally.
The MIL-PIP policy is a tremendous benefit for military families, but the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only grants parole on a case-by-case basis, either for “public benefit” or humanitarian reasons. Upon approval, the service member’s family may remain in the United States legally for one year, with complete protection from the threat of deportation.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MIL PIP?
Of course, MIL PIP has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to obtain parole. First, lawful permanent residents of the United States are not eligible to apply. Only certain family members of military personnel qualify for parole.
You may be eligible for MIL PIP in 1-year increments if you are one of the following service members or are the spouse, widow(er), parent, son, or daughter of one of the following service members:
A service member of the National Guard or Reserves
An active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces
A military veteran who served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve (honorable discharge only)
In addition, every family member that applies for MIL PIP will be subject to a criminal background check. Even families currently undergoing removal proceedings can request parole and may receive approval to adjust status.
HOW CAN FAMILY MEMBERS OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE ARMED FORCES OBTAIN MIL PIP?
If you’re the immediate family of a military member with no permanent resident status in the United States, you can request MIL PIP from the USCIS. You’ll need to go to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your primary residence and submit the following documents:
Verification of your family relationship with a military service member, such as a marriage certificate or your children’s birth certificate
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
Evidence that your family member is a current or former service member (i.e., a photocopy of their military identification card)
Two identical passport-style photos
Information illustrating any additional favorable discretionary factors that may work to your benefit
If you’re a widow or surviving family member, proof of United States residence at the time of the service member’s death
HOW LONG DOES THE MIL PIP & ADJUSTMENT IN STATUS PROCESS TAKE?
Up-to-date processing times for MIL PIP can be found on the USCIS website. This USCIS data solely reflects the time from the receipt of application to its completion. Remember, approval is not a guarantee.
CAN YOU WORK LEGALLY IN THE UNITED STATES IF YOU OBTAIN MIL PIP?
If the USCIS has granted parole to you, you may be able to apply for employment authorization and obtain lawful United States employment. In addition, you’ll receive a Form I-94 arrival/departure record. Form I-94 is essential, as it’s legal evidence of your lawful entry into the United States and facilitates your status adjustment.
IMMIGRATION LAWYER NEAR ME: LOZANO LAW FIRM
The MIL-PIP program significantly benefits families of military service members who live in the United States as undocumented immigrants. However, if you want to apply for MIL PIP or a Green Card, you’ll need a skilled immigration lawyer to serve as your legal advocate and fight for a favorable outcome in your case.
At Lozano Law Firm, we work hard to help families and corporations through the immigration maze. We take the attorney-client relationship seriously, so you can feel peace of mind that you’ll receive personalized attention and that your case will be our priority. Call The Lozano Law Firm today at (210) 899-2290 to schedule your initial consultation.
Lozano Law Firm
5718 University Heights Blvd #104
San Antonio, TX 78249
(210) 899-2290
