MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: August 9, 2024
Free Legal Help Available: Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
HOUSTON – On June 18, President Biden announced a new executive action using his parole authority to protect certain United States citizens’ spouses without legal status, to apply for Parole in Place (PIP) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The program, which will begin accepting applications on August 19, allows people to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship without having to leave the country.
Beware of scams, especially against using notary publics to complete the PIP immigration application. Notaries are not licensed or authorized to give legal advice on any legal matter. The term “notario público” (Spanish for “notary public”) has a different meaning for Spanish-speaking nations where “notarios” are licensed attorneys. In the U.S., however, notaries are not attorneys and are not necessarily authorized to provide legal services.
“This new immigration process is a significant step towards keeping families together and providing a pathway to legal status for many undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. We urge those eligible to seek assistance from accredited legal professionals and avoid fraudulent services that could jeopardize their future. If an application is denied, applicants will lose their fee and risk being placed in removal proceedings. We urge people to call us for more information,” said Victoria Giambra, legal and advocacy director for the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC).
HOW TO GET FREE LEGAL HELP: 1-833-468-4664 (HOU-IMMI)
WHO:
- Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC)
WHAT:
- Free Pro Se Clinic for noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who qualify for the new PIP program. The clinic will prepare clinic clients as much as possible before submitting the PIP application, beginning August 19. For location and time, registration is required by calling the confidential hotline.
- Immigrant Resource Hotline: 1-833-468-4664 (HOU-IMMI), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bilingual legal staff available.
WHEN:
- Saturday, August 17 and Monday, August 19: Free Pro Se Clinic
TO REGISTER FOR THE CLINIC:
- Call the Immigrant Resource Hotline, 1-833-468-4664 (HOU-IMMI), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Immigrant Resource Hotline is a project of the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Boat People SOS, Catholic Charities Cabrini Center and Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM).
BACKGROUND:
- Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Parole in Place Program website: www.piptexas.org
- White House: FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families Together (June 18, 2024)
- DHS: Fact Sheet: DHS Announces New Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families | Homeland Security (July 17, 2024)
- USCIS: Reminders on the Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families (July 17, 2024)
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The Texas Immigration Law Council is a statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2023 to promote and protect the rights of immigrants and refugees of all nationalities in Texas. The Council promotes meaningful access to justice for immigrants and refugees by serving as a statewide immigrant legal resource center. The Council brings together constituencies across the political spectrum to advance constructive dialogue on immigrant solutions for Texas.
The Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC) is a tax-exempt non-profit entity that convenes immigrant-serving providers, including legal services, incubates and launches projects to help more immigrants access low-cost, high-quality immigration legal services in Greater Houston.
