Although we are in Los Angeles, CA, we know there are military families around the world serving our country. When a family member is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, the last thing they should have to worry about is the immigration status of their loved ones in their home country.
What is Military Parole in Place (PIP)?
Parole in Place is a special measure adopted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Normally, a person who enters the United States without being inspected by an immigration officer—often referred to as “Entry Without Inspection” (EWI)—cannot apply for a Green Card from within the country. They would have to leave the U.S. to attend an interview abroad, which often triggers a long and painful separation from their family due to immigration barriers.
Military PIP changes this. It grants the qualifying family member parole status, meaning that, for immigration purposes, it is as if they had been paroled into the U.S. PIP does not grant a Green Card immediately, but it removes a major obstacle, paving a clear and direct path to lawful permanent residence, often in two years or less, which is the primary goal of my law office.
Who qualifies for Military Parole in Place?
Eligibility for Military PIP focuses on your relationship to a qualifying member of the U.S. Armed Forces and your own immigration history. You must be the spouse, widow/widower, parent, son, or daughter (of any age or marital status) of a person who is or was:
Qualifying member of the Armed Forces
- An active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).
- A person in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
- A veteran who previously served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and who was not dishonorably discharged.
Qualifying family member
The immigrant family member applying for Parole in Place must:
- Be physically present in the United States.
- Have entered the U.S. without being inspected (EWI), or be a person who was inspected but is still considered an applicant for admission.
- Be able to prove your qualifying family relationship to the service member (e.g., with a birth certificate or marriage certificate).
- Not have a serious criminal conviction or other adverse factors that would lead USCIS to deny the request as a matter of discretion.
How to apply for Military Parole in Place
The Military PIP application process involves submitting a formal request to USCIS. There is no fee for this request, but you must submit a strong, complete packet of documents.
Step 1: Complete Form I-131
You must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Although the form is typically used for travel documents, here you will use it to request a grant of Parole in Place. Be sure to write “Military PIP” in the appropriate section to clearly indicate the purpose of your request.
Step 2: Gather supporting documents
Your request must include evidence of your identity, your relationship to the service member, and that member’s military service. You will need:
- Proof of identity and nationality: A copy of your passport or birth certificate, plus a government-issued photo ID.
- Two passport-style photos of you.
- Proof of relationship:
- Spouse: Copy of your marriage certificate.
- Parent and child: Copy of the child’s birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship.
- Proof of military service: A copy of the service member’s military ID (DD Form 1173) or discharge papers (DD Form 214) showing an honorable discharge if the service member is a veteran.
- Service member’s status: Proof that the service member is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (e.g., a copy of the Green Card or U.S. passport).
- Evidence of favorable discretionary factors: Support letters from community leaders, evidence of your community involvement, or evidence of hardship if the family were separated.
Step 3: Mail the request to USCIS
You must mail your complete application packet to the designated USCIS Lockbox facility. The address will depend on the state where you live. If you are in Los Angeles, use the address listed on the USCIS website for California filings; we can assist you with any other location.
If USCIS approves your request, it will mail you an approval notice and your Form I-94, which is the official document confirming your parole in the U.S.
My commitment to your American Dream
I know dealing with immigration paperwork can be frustrating and overwhelming. I created Mi Sueño Americano to help people like you who have a clear, established path to Green Card residency but simply need the right guidance to achieve it. I will work with you to simplify the process, focusing specifically on your Green Card—meaning not only moving the paperwork forward, but helping you reach that final, crucial goal.
I am here to make sure you do not feel intimidated by the law or confused by the process. If you are anywhere in the world and are a family member of a U.S. Armed Forces service member, we can connect via Zoom or WhatsApp from our office in Los Angeles, CA. I am ready to review your case, clarify your path to a Green Card, and begin the application process. Call me today at (323) 672-4423 to take the next step toward your lawful permanent residence.
