Parole-in-Place and Permanent Residency Granted: A Path to Family-Based Immigration Success

Navigating the immigration process can be a challenge, especially when it comes to individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection. However, the Matter of Y.R.M. (2025) demonstrates how a skilled immigration attorney can help clients overcome significant hurdles. Y.R.M., a native and citizen of Mexico, entered the U.S. as a child without being inspected or admitted. Years later, after marrying a U.S. citizen, she began the immigrant visa petition process on her own. However, due to her manner of entry, Y.R.M. would typically need to leave the U.S. for consular processing, triggering inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Fortunately, Y.R.M.'s situation took a positive turn when Alex learned her spouse was a U.S. military veteran. With this information, Alex advised Y.R.M. that she could apply for parole-in-place, a provision that allows certain individuals with U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouses—especially those with military ties—to avoid consular processing. This would allow Y.R.M. to adjust her status in the U.S. without leaving the country, eliminating the risk of being barred due to her prior unlawful entry.

With Alex’s guidance, Y.R.M. successfully applied for parole-in-place, which allowed her to file for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the INA. Within just seven months, her adjustment application was approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Y.R.M. became a lawful permanent resident without the need for an interview.

This case highlights how parole-in-place can be a game-changer for individuals in family-based immigration petitions, providing a path for lawful permanent residence even after unauthorized entry into the U.S.

PAROLE-IN-PLACE GRANTED & PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of Y.R.M. (2025)

Y.R.M. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was brought to the United States as a child without being inspected and admitted or paroled. Years later, after marrying a U.S. citizen, Y.R.M. and her spouse began the immigrant visa petition process on their own. After the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) was approved, Y.R.M. and her spouse came to Alex for guidance. Given her manner of entry, Y.R.M. would normally have to complete consular processing. This, in turn, would result in her inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred as “the Act”) the moment she departed the United States to attend her interview abroad.

When Alex learned that Y.R.M’s spouse had served in the U.S. armed forces, he explained that Y.R.M. was eligible to seek parole-in-place on the basis of her marriage to a veteran. If she could secure this, then she would essentially be in the same position as one who lawfully entered the United States. This, in turn, would allow her to avoid the time and expense of pursing the waiver that she would need to obtain before departing the United States.

Accordingly, Y.R.M. and her spouse retained Alex to help them navigate the rest of the process. With Alex’s assistance, Y.R.M. successfully applied for parole-in-place, and, having been “paroled,” Y.R.M. then filed for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted Y.R.M.’s adjustment application within seven month after filing, without even having her come in for an interview. Y.R.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

If you are navigating family-based immigration or facing challenges related to your entry status, the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail is here to help. Call us today at (725) 221-5998 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us guide you through the immigration process with confidence and clarity.

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