What are my options for a lawful status if my son, daughter, or spouse join the military or are veterans?
What are my options for a lawful status if my son, daughter, or spouse join the military or are veterans?
If your son, daughter, or spouse is serving in the U.S. military or is a veteran, there are several lawful immigration options available to you as a family member. These pathways are designed to support military families and may help you obtain lawful status in the United States, even if you are currently undocumented or out of status.
1. Military Parole in Place (PIP or MPIP)
Who qualifies? Spouses, parents, and children of active-duty U.S. military, reservists, or veterans. MPIP Grants temporary lawful status without leaving the U.S., protecting you from deportation and allowing you to apply for a green card (if eligible), allowing adjustment of status in the U.S. without having to leave the U.S.
2. Deferred Action for Military Family Members
For those who may not qualify for Parole in Place. Deferred Action offers protection from removal and may include work authorization. It is not a direct path to a green card but may stabilize your presence while pursuing another avenue.
Once MPIP has been granted and your military family member is a U.S. citizen, you may be able to adjust status inside the U.S. when petitioned under Immediate Relative category (no visa wait time). Or if your family member is an LPR (green card holder), you may be eligible for family-based immigration, though visa wait times vary.
A grant of MPIP will provide an option for a spouse, parent, or child of active-duty U.S. military, reservists, or veterans where there would be no other options other than years-long and uncertain processes that would require the applicant to depart the United States with an uncertain return. Contact us so we can assess the specifics of your situation. call 832-800-3572 to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment now under the appointments tab.
