Recently, a client asked me, “I just got off a cruise ship and heard about something called PIP, Biden’s Parole in Place. Can I apply?” First of all, welcome to the United States. I’m glad you’re here. However, if you have a crewman visa, your options are limited. At best, you might consider a T or U visa.

The policy behind the crewman visa is to prevent people working on cruise ships from staying in the US without authorization. Therefore, you cannot apply for Parole in Place, as it is intended for people who entered without a visa. Although it may seem illogical, that is the regulation.