JUNE 27, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration is reportedly seeking to scale back a program that protects undocumented family members of active-duty U.S. service members.
Attorneys familiar with the plans told NPR that the parole in place program, which gives protection to such family members in one-year increments, would only be available in rare circumstances if the plan to scale it back is successful.
“It’s going to create chaos in the military,” Margaret Stock, an immigration attorney who represents recruits and veterans in deportation proceedings, told the network.
“The troops can’t concentrate on their military jobs when they’re worried about their family members being deported.”
The parole in place program allows military family members who have come to the country illegally and can’t adjust their immigration status to stay in the U.S. temporarily.
Spouses who overstay visas are not eligible for the temporary extension, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It is not immediately clear how many people use the program or what the timeline is to limit it, according to NPR.
“I would advise clients that if they are eligible for [parole in place] to submit it ASAP,” a government lawyer warned other attorneys in a message obtained by NPR, adding later: “Wish there was better news to share. Big take-away is that no group is ‘safe’ any longer.”
The White House and USCIS did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the status of the parole in place program.
Courtesy/Source: The Hill
