Last month the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that they will establish a new process to consider requests for certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been physically present without admission or parole in the United States for 10 years or more. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

REQUIREMENTS

• Be present in the U.S. without admission or parole
• Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024
• No disqualifying criminal convictions
• Not pose a threat to national security and public safety and pass vetting
  

If paroled, these spouses can apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. There is an estimated 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens that may be eligible, according to DHS, and have resided here for 23 years on average. They also estimate 50,000 children are eligible.

Learn more about the Homeland Security website announcement by following the link. The site is available in other languages including Spanish.