The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ) provides a pathway to permanent residence, employment authorization, and protection from deportation. Children under twenty-one (21) are eligible to apply for their green card, access additional benefits, and apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of residency.
The federal government only approves SIJ status for those who cannot reunite with one or both of their parents.. If you, a family member, or a friend is seeking SIJ status, a seasoned immigration attorney could guide you through the process. Call our hardworking Union City special immigrant juvenile immigration lawyer to schedule a consultation.
SIJ is a humanitarian immigration classification that the U.S. government offers to migrant youth. It provides a path to Adjustment of status or lawful permanent residency for minors who meet the guidelines and have been neglected, abandoned, or abused by one or both parents or legal guardians.
This status protects vulnerable youth who cannot reunite safely with at least one parent and where returning to their home country would not be in their best interest. If approved, they can legally remain in the country and apply for permanent residency and citizenship at a later time. Our knowledgeable attorney in Union City can review the requirements and guidelines for migrant children during the consultation.
SIJ status is available to children who are under twenty-one (21) who meet the requirements and have been abandoned, abused, or neglected by at least one parent or guardian and need the protection of the juvenile court. The requirements from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services state that the applicant must:
In some cases, the child is held in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement or the Department of Health and Human Services. When the court order changes their custody or placement, they must provide a written consent for the court’s jurisdiction.
Valid U.S. state juvenile court orders must include a declaration that the juvenile is dependent on the court or in the custody of a state agency, entity, or individual. The order must also include a finding that reunification with the child’s parents is not possible due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or similar reasons under state law. It must also include a determination that returning to the care of their parents or country is not in their best interest. This determination must be in effect at the time of filing and the decision date.
After obtaining a juvenile court order that complies with all the requirements, you may file a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant and provide any necessary supporting evidence. Upon approval and upon a priority date being current you can proceed with applying for a green card. Our juvenile immigration lawyer in Union City is experienced with the process and can help determine your eligibility and answer specific questions during your appointment.
Undocumented minors at risk of deportation or dealing with other challenges resulting from problems involving abuse or abandonment by their parents face many challenges. If you qualify for adjustment of status under the program, you can seek relief from a troubled home. Obtaining an SIJ status and a green card provides many opportunities and allows you to remain in the U.S. permanently. Meet with our compassionate Union City juvenile immigration lawyer at the Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett Esq., P.C. to learn more.
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