President Obama has announced that undocumented family members of veterans and Active Duty Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, will not be deported. Such immigrants can file applications for lawful status and remain in the United States.
USCIS along with the U.S. Department of Defense has launched a number of initiatives to assist members of the U.S. Armed forces. USCIS has made it easy for the veterans, active duty members and the members of their families to easily navigate the complex immigration system. It helps them to apply for US citizenship and other immigration benefits.
The new policy of the Obama administration will permit the spouses, children and parents of active duty members and veterans, to apply for parole status. This status will permit them to remain in the United States for one year. This status is renewable and at the end of the one year period, they can apply for renewal.
To request parole, an eligible family member of a veteran or a member of the US Armed Forces, must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document with the USCIS. This form must be filed with an evidence of family relationship. Supporting documents to establish that the applicant’s family member is an active duty member or a veteran, also must be submitted.
This move has been applauded by immigrant activists. In 2012, President Obama, implemented the deferred action program. This program grants the eligible undocumented youth a two year reprieve from deportation. Deferred action is meant for the undocumented youth whereas this new policy will help the spouses, children and parents of Armed Forces personnel, to remain in the United States.