The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed President Joe Biden’s expansion of the Parole in Place program, announced Tuesday. This immigration relief measure will allow certain undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to stay in the country and work legally. While this is a positive step, CAIR-CA urges the administration to implement broader reforms that go beyond symbolic gestures and create lasting, meaningful change.
Under current immigration laws, individuals who enter the U.S. without inspection are ineligible to adjust their status while in the country, even if married to a U.S. citizen. These individuals typically must leave the U.S. and undergo a consular interview abroad, risking a 10-year bar on reentry if they have been unlawfully present for over a year.
The newly expanded program addresses this issue by allowing undocumented immigrants who have been present in the U.S. for at least 10 years and are married to U.S. citizens as of June 17, 2024, to request “parole-in-place,” permitting them to adjust their status without leaving the country. Approved applicants will receive a three-year work permit and deferral from deportation, allowing them time to apply for permanent residency. This measure helps to ensure that families are not torn apart and reflects the valuable contributions and presence of immigrants in our communities.
It is important to note that people with permanent bars or prior removal orders who have met all other requirements do not benefit from this program.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO and Los Angeles (CAIR-LA) Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“This is an important step toward providing stability and security for families who have long contributed to our communities. By expanding Parole in Place, President Biden is recognizing the humanity and dignity of immigrants who have built their lives here and have deep ties to the United States. We applaud this decision but urge the administration to take more comprehensive actions to create a fair and just immigration system.”
CAIR San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) Executive Director Zahra Billoo added:
“While we are pleased to see this expansion of Parole in Place and look forward to supporting eligible individuals through the process, it is only a small step in addressing the needs of our immigrant communities. The program provides relief by eliminating the need for i601a waivers and consular processing, yet many affected individuals already had a pathway, albeit a more challenging one.
“This measure, while helpful, does not address the broader systemic issues that many immigrants face daily. We call on the administration to implement broader reforms that go beyond symbolic gestures and create lasting, meaningful change.
“Comprehensive immigration reform is necessary to ensure all undocumented immigrants have a clear, just, and humane pathway to citizenship. We need policies that reflect the contributions and presence of immigrants in our communities and ensure that families are not torn apart.”
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, ladam@cair.com, 408.498.5779