Parole in Place (PIP) is a special immigration relief for military families that allows certain undocumented relatives of U.S. service members and veterans to remain in the country legally. It is a discretionary policy under INA § 212(d)(5)(A) that **“paroles” the person in place, meaning they are treated as if legally admitted without having to leave the United States.
PIP provides temporary legal status, protection from deportation, and eligibility for work authorization. Crucially, it also counts as a lawful entry for immigration purposes, enabling many to apply for a green card (adjust status) without leaving the U.S.
This program is a vital immigration relief for military families, reflecting a policy of family unity for those who serve. In 2025, Parole in Place (PIP) remains available and has seen some updates, including new fees and efforts to expand its scope.
What Is Military Parole in Place (PIP)?
Military Parole in Place is an immigration benefit that temporarily “paroles” certain undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel into the United States without them actually departing or re-entering. In effect, USCIS grants them a parole status while they stay in the U.S., as if they had been legally admitted. This status is typically granted for one year at a time and can be renewed. During the parole period, the individual has lawful presence, is protected from removal, and can apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document).
Parole in Place was created to recognize the sacrifices of military families and prevent the separation of service members from their immediate relatives due to immigration issues. The policy was formalized by DHS in 2013 and reinforced by a 2015 USCIS policy memorandum, which noted that being a military spouse, parent, or child “should ordinarily weigh heavily in favor” of granting parole in place. In fact, since its introduction in 2013, approximately 82,000 people have applied, and about 61,000 have been approved for military PIP as of mid-2024. This shows how many military families have benefited from the program.
Example: An undocumented spouse of an active-duty soldier who entered the U.S. without inspection would normally be ineligible to adjust status to a green card inside the U.S. because of the unlawful entry. Through Parole in Place, that spouse can be “paroled” in the U.S., curing the entry issue and allowing a green card application without leaving the country – thereby keeping the military family together and avoiding the hardship of separation.
Who Is Eligible for Parole in Place?
Parole in Place eligibility is limited to immediate family members of U.S. military personnel including certain veterans. Specifically, USCIS can grant PIP to the following relatives of service members who served honorably:
- Spouses (including widows/widowers) of active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members, veterans, or Selected Reserve members.
- Parents of active-duty service members, veterans, or Selected Reservists.
- Children or sons/daughters (including stepchildren) of active-duty personnel, veterans, or Selected Reservists.
This covers families of those currently serving on active duty, those in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, and military veterans living or deceased, if the service member passed away. For example, PIP for spouses of active duty soldiers is common, and Parole in Place for military parents or children is also allowed if the service member is in one of the qualifying categories. Even families of reservists and National Guard members called into active service can be eligible under the Selected Reserve qualification.
It’s important to note that eligibility does not automatically guarantee approval. PIP is a discretionary benefit. USCIS will review each case individually, weighing positive factors like the family relationship and military service against any negative factors such as criminal history or prior immigration violations. Generally, being an immediate relative of a U.S. service member “weighs heavily in favor” of approval, and PIP is considered appropriate unless there are serious adverse factors, for instance, a significant criminal record. Minor infractions usually do not bar someone, but any criminal conviction or major immigration violation can lead to denial as a matter of discretion. Each applicant undergoes background checks. In 2025, USCIS has increased scrutiny on applications, meaning they carefully check records and will deny PIP if an applicant poses security or public safety concerns.
Who is not eligible?
PIP is not a broad amnesty for all undocumented people – it’s reserved for qualifying military families. Extended relatives, like siblings, cousins, etc., are not eligible. Also, if an individual has certain serious immigration violations, they may be effectively ineligible.
For example, someone who entered the U.S. illegally multiple times after prior deportations could be subject to a permanent bar (INA § 212(a)(9)(C)) that even Parole in Place cannot overcome. In such cases, the person would not be able to get a green card unless they leave and stay out for 10+ years, so USCIS might not grant PIP. Crewmembers are also explicitly excluded by statute from receiving parole in place.
Essentially, PIP is aimed at immediate family of military members who entered without inspection (EWI) or otherwise lack legal status, and who have no other disqualifying issues.
Benefits of Parole in Place for Military Families
Parole in Place offers several key benefits for military families facing immigration challenges:
Protection from Deportation:
A person granted PIP is considered to be in a “paroled” status, not “illegal”, for the duration of the parole. They are protected from deportation (removal) while the parole is valid, so long as they do not violate its terms. This temporary legal status for military dependents provides peace of mind to military members that their spouse, child, or parent will not be suddenly taken away by immigration authorities.
Work Authorization:
PIP recipients can apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) by submitting Form I-765. Once approved, this work permit allows them to legally work in the United States and contribute to the family income. For example, a military spouse on PIP can obtain an EAD, often within a few months, enabling them to work and support their household. This is a major benefit, as it helps stabilize the family financially while the service member is serving the country.
Lawful Entry for Green Card Applications:
Perhaps the most significant benefit is that being “paroled” counts as a lawful entry. Under immigration law, a person cannot normally adjust status to permanent resident (green card) in the U.S. if their last entry was unlawful, e.g., sneaking across the border. PIP effectively cures the problem of Entry Without Inspection (EWI) by retroactively granting a form of entry. This means an undocumented spouse or parent of a U.S. citizen in the military can apply for a green card without leaving the U.S., as long as they have an approved immigrant petition usually Form I-130 and are otherwise admissible.
They do not have to go abroad to a U.S. Embassy for a visa, which would normally trigger a 3–10 year reentry bar for unlawful presence. In other words, PIP removes the need for an unlawful presence waiver because it prevents triggering those bars in the first place by avoiding departure. It provides a path to a green card through Parole in Place, which is often the end goal for these families.
Family Unity and Peace of Mind:
The policy keeps military families together. Service members, especially those deployed or in dangerous roles, can focus on their duties knowing their family members at home have a measure of protection. This is often cited as a military family immigration relief that boosts morale and loyalty. According to one estimate, up to 80,000 undocumented spouses or parents of U.S. military members live in the U.S. today. Programs like PIP directly address these families’ needs. Without PIP, many service members would face the agonizing choice of whether to continue serving while their spouse or parent is at risk of deportation.
No Fee for Military PIP Application:
Historically, USCIS did not charge a filing fee for PIP requests from military families. For many years, applicants only paid for things like mailing and copying documents, and perhaps the separate work permit fee if applying for an EAD, but the Form I-131 for PIP itself had no fee. This made the process accessible to military families of all incomes.
How to Apply for Military PIP (Application Process)
Applying for Parole in Place involves submitting a package of documents to USCIS. The process is somewhat informal compared to other immigration benefits, but it still requires careful preparation. Here are the general steps to apply for military PIP:
Prepare the Application (Form I-131):
The applicant (undocumented family member must complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Although this is the same form used for other types of parole and re-entry permits, in this case it is used to request parole in place. On the form, the applicant indicates they are requesting parole in place and identifies the military family relationship. As of 2024-2025, USCIS introduced Form I-131F specifically for the new citizen spouse parole process, but for standard military PIP, the regular Form I-131 is used. There is no filing fee for PIP requests for military families on the form itself, though see the new $1,000 parole fee discussed later, which is paid upon approval.
Gather Supporting Documents:
With the I-131, the applicant needs to include proof of eligibility and other supporting evidence. Key documents typically include:
- Proof of the family relationship to the service member: e.g. marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for a child or parent relationship.
- Proof of the sponsor’s military service: e.g. a copy of the service member’s military ID (for active duty), enlistment contract, or DD-214 discharge document (for veterans) to show honorable service.
- Proof of the applicant’s identity and presence in the U.S.: copies of passport (even if expired), any visa or entry documents if they exist, or other IDs.
- Two passport-style photographs of the applicant (per typical USCIS form requirements).
- Personal statement or cover letter: Often, applicants include a letter explaining their situation, any hardships, and why they merit PIP. This is not mandatory but can be helpful to provide context, especially if there are any negatives in their history that need explaining.
- Evidence of good character (if available): If the applicant has any minor criminal history or immigration violations, evidence of rehabilitation or community ties can be included. Likewise, proof of the family’s integration (children’s birth certificates if U.S. citizen kids, community service, etc.) may support the request.
Submit to the Correct USCIS Office:
PIP applications are generally submitted to the USCIS Field Office having jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence (not the usual lockboxes). For military PIP, USCIS instructs applicants to file with the local field office or through specific mailing addresses provided in policy guidance. Many military installations’ legal assistance offices can help route PIP requests. It’s wise to check the latest USCIS instructions or reach out to an immigration attorney for the proper filing location.
Biometrics Appointment:
After filing, USCIS may issue a receipt (Form I-797C) acknowledging the request. They typically schedule a biometrics appointment where the applicant will be fingerprinted and photographed for background checks. This is routine and important for security screening.
Interview (Case-by-Case):
In some cases, USCIS might require an in-person interview with the applicant at the field office. This is not always done for PIP, but it can happen, especially if there are unusual aspects to the case. The interview would focus on the information in the application and the person’s background.
USCIS Decision:
Once processing is complete, the applicant will receive a decision notice. If approved, USCIS will issue a parole document often this is an I-94 card or a letter noting that the individual is paroled in place until a certain date. Typically, PIP is granted in 1-year increments. If denied, USCIS will send a denial letter. There is no appeal from a PIP denial, as it is discretionary though one could submit a new request or seek deferred action instead.
If approved, the family member is “paroled” in the U.S. and can enjoy the benefits mentioned. They should then proceed to the next steps, such as applying for a work permit (if not already done) and starting the green card process if eligible.
Processing Time and Renewal
Parole in Place processing times vary by USCIS field office, but recent USCIS historic data and practitioner summaries show that most military PIP cases take around 4–6 months, with a national median of about 4 months as of mid-2025 for Form I-131 filed as parole in place.
You can verify current medians on the official USCIS Historical National Median Processing Time page:
In practice:
- Typical range: about 3–6 months
- Faster cases: clean records + strong evidence + clear military need
- Slower cases: RFEs, complicated histories, or heavy field-office backlogs
Once approved, Military PIP is usually granted for one year at a time. The approval notice or I-94 will show the exact expiration date. If the relative has not obtained a green card within that year, they should apply to renew before the parole expires by filing a new Form I-131 with updated evidence and a copy of the prior PIP approval.
USCIS may ask why renewal is needed. As long as:
- The green card process is underway, or there is still a clear need for PIP, and
- The person has complied with all laws and conditions,
Officers often grant additional 1-year extensions at their discretion.
It is critical not to let PIP lapse. If parole expires and is not renewed, the person returns to being without lawful status and may again face immigration risk. Families should calendar the expiration date and plan to seek renewal several months before it ends.
From Parole to Green Card: Adjustment of Status
Parole in Place is temporary, but it gives military families something crucial: a lawful entry. This single benefit unlocks the ability to apply for a green card inside the U.S. instead of facing a 10-year bar abroad.
In FY2023, USCIS approved 110,768 immediate-relative green card applications inside the U.S.—the same pathway most military PIP applicants use.
Step 1: File the Immediate Relative Petition (Form I-130)
Most PIP applicants qualify because a U.S. citizen service member files Form I-130 for:
- A spouse
- A parent
- An unmarried child under 21
If the service member isn’t yet a citizen, they can naturalize quickly through military service, which speeds up the process.
Step 2: PIP Provides the Lawful Entry Needed for Adjustment
Normally, entering without inspection blocks a person from applying for a green card inside the U.S.
PIP solves that problem by granting parole, which counts as a lawful entry.
This means the applicant can now:
- Adjust status inside the U.S.
- Avoid consular processing
- Avoid the 3–10 year unlawful presence bars
Step 3: File for the Green Card (Form I-485)
After receiving PIP and having an I-130 approved (or filed together), the applicant submits Form I-485.
What this step includes:
- Biometrics
- Medical exam
- Marriage/relationship evidence
- USCIS interview
If approved, the person becomes a lawful permanent resident without leaving the U.S.
Step 4: What Happens While the Case Is Pending
During processing, applicants may receive:
- EAD (Work Authorization)
- Advance Parole travel permission
- Extensions of PIP if necessary
Processing times vary but often take several months to over a year.
Step 5: After Approval
Once the green card is granted:
- Parole in Place is no longer needed
- The person becomes a lawful permanent resident
- They can later apply for U.S. citizenship (usually after 3 years if married to the service member)
Important Caveats (Read Before Applying)
PIP does NOT waive:
- Criminal inadmissibilities
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Prior deportation orders
- Unlawful presence bars already triggered by a past departure
Each case should be reviewed by an immigration attorney, especially if there are past immigration issues.
2025 Updates: New Fees and Policy Changes
The landscape of Parole in Place and related immigration policies continues to evolve. As of 2025, there have been some significant updates that military families should be aware of:
| Update | What Changed |
| New Parole Fee Changes (2025) | Covers the new $1,000 parole fee, who pays it, exemptions, how and when payment is collected, and how it affects Military PIP. |
| Policy Expansions and Court Actions | Explains the attempted “Keeping Families Together” expansion, eligibility rules, the federal court block, and current status for non-military families. |
| PIP Stability and Legislative Activity | Summarizes long-term PIP stability, USCIS confirmation it continues in 2025, past and current legislative proposals, and how Congress has approached Military PIP. |
Alternatives and Additional Considerations
What if someone isn’t eligible for PIP or gets denied? There are a couple of other options and points to consider:
Military Deferred Action (MILDEP)
- Humanitarian protection for undocumented military family members when PIP isn’t possible.
- Provides: temporary protection from deportation (usually 2 years, renewable) + eligibility for a work permit.
- Does not provide a lawful entry for a green card.
- Useful when:
- PIP is denied for discretionary reasons
- The service member is not yet a U.S. citizen and cannot file an I-130
- Certain immigration violations block PIP approval
Unlawful Presence Waivers (I-601A)
- Some families choose consular processing + a stateside unlawful presence waiver.
- Higher risk because leaving the U.S. can trigger the 10-year bar.
- Consider only if:
- PIP is denied
- No other relief is available
- Military service and family hardship can strengthen a waiver case.
- Always consult an attorney — this is the riskiest option.
Criminal Issues & Discretion
- Minor infractions usually don’t harm a PIP case.
- Serious issues (DUI, domestic violence, drugs, felonies) can:
- Lead to PIP denial
- Trigger inadmissibility for a green card
- These cases need careful legal review; deferred action may be a temporary alternative.
Options for Veterans’ Families
- Programs like the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole (FWVP) help reunite veterans with overseas family.
- These are different from PIP but show alternative pathways for some veteran households.
- Good for veterans with relatives abroad awaiting visa availability.
Maintaining Status After PIP
- Follow all laws, avoid any arrests, and don’t leave the U.S. without advance permission.
- Apply for a green card as soon as you are eligible — PIP is only temporary.
- Major life events (divorce, dishonorable discharge, death of the service member) may affect eligibility.
- Widows/widowers of service members can still apply within two years of the service member’s passing.
Legal Help and Next Steps for Military Parole in Place (PIP)
Navigating Parole in Place can feel overwhelming, but your family doesn’t have to face the immigration process alone. Whether you’re preparing your first PIP application, renewing an existing parole, or planning the green card step that follows, the right legal guidance can safeguard your case, especially with the new 2025 policy changes and heightened USCIS scrutiny.
At The Chidolue Law Firm, we help military families secure Parole in Place, resolve complications such as prior entries or minor criminal issues, and move smoothly from PIP to lawful permanent residence. Our team understands the unique urgency military households face, and we know how to build a strong, well-documented PIP request that protects your loved one from deportation and sets up the path to a green card.
📞 Call The Chidolue Law Firm today at:
➡ 407-995-6567
➡ 678-325-1037
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➡ 404-333-8751
Your family’s stability shouldn’t be left to chance. Reach out today so we can help you secure Parole in Place, protect your loved ones, and move forward with confidence as you continue serving our nation.
