CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — 'Parole in Place' is a new immigration policy that will give many a new hope in becoming a citizen of the United States.
Victor Avalos crossed the Rio Grande for the first time at 20 years old. He decided to cross the border for a final time to create a better life for his family.
Since 1998, Avalos has tried several times to become a legal resident but it has never been easy -- until now.
"It's a happiness I can't describe," Avalos said. "My family is also happy that I have the opportunity to get my legal residence status and I'll also be able to visit my family in Mexico that I haven't seen in years."
The new policy allows immigrants who are married to a U.S. citizen, and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for citizenship without having to leave the United States and return to their birth country.
Prior to this new policy, immigrants would have to file a waiver that can take up to five years to process. They were required to wait in their home country until they qualified for a Visa.
Immigration attorney at Law Offices of Rodriguez & Moretzsohn Heather Moretszohn said this policy is a shortcut to get parole and apply directly for a permanent resident status as long as they meet the requirements.
"Have been married prior to that to a U.S. citizen," Moretszohn said. "They also have to show they've been living continuous physical presence in the United States since June 17, 2014, so continuous physical presence for 10 years and they can't have disqualifying criminal matters or disqualifying deportation matters."
She said there are concerns about this new policy. Since it's an executive order, there is a possibility it can be overturned in the future just like DACA was.
"So our concern is that if you don't apply as quick as possible, that it might be stopped," Morestzsohn said.
Avalos said the journey to citizenship has been long but he knows it will be worth it in the end. Now, he's encouraging his friends to also apply for the program.
"I tell them if they have an opportunity to take advantage of it," he said. "This is the moment where you can become legal in this country."
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, over 500,000 applications are expected to be submitted.
For more information about the Parole in Place program, click here.