Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Lawyers
By empowering minor immigrants in the face of adversity, the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a beacon of safety and stability for minors who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment. We understand the hardships, so we devote ourselves to securing the future for special immigrant juveniles.
What is Special Juvenile Immigrant Status (SIJS)?
The SIJS is a crucial legal protection for vulnerable young immigrants in the United States. It is designed for minors who have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and cannot reunite with their parents due to these circumstances.
It allows special immigrant juveniles to obtain lawful permanent residency, ensuring stability and security in the country. To qualify, they must secure a juvenile court’s findings confirming their dependency on the court or declaring them eligible for long-term foster care.
Benefits of the Special Immigrant Juveniles Classification
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a range of significant benefits to eligible individuals. Some of the most important ones that help them secure a better future in the United States are:
Legal Status
SIJS provides legal protection against deportation for special immigrant juveniles who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, offering them a safe haven in the United States.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Once approved, SIJS serves as a pathway to lawful permanent residency (Green Card status) in the U.S., allowing recipients to live and work permanently in the country.
Family Reunification
This resource can lead to family reunification, enabling eligible minors to bring certain family members to the U.S., fostering stronger family ties.
Access to Education
SIJS recipients have access to educational opportunities, including enrollment in schools and colleges, paving the way for a better future through education.
Employment Opportunities
With the SIJ classification, applicants can legally work in the U.S., opening doors to various employment prospects and financial stability.
Social Services and Benefits
SIJS recipients may qualify for social services and benefits, ensuring they have access to essential resources, healthcare, and support systems.
Eligibility Requirements for Special Immigrant Juveniles?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), as a vital immigration protection for vulnerable young immigrants in the United States, require applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria set forth by U.S. immigration laws:
- Be under 21 years of age.
- Live in the United States at the time of applying.
- Not be married (either you were never married or it has ended in divorce or annulment).
- Be declared dependent on a juvenile court (the Family Court must take jurisdiction over a petition addressing the needs of the applicant)
- Have no interest in returning to their country of origin or former place of residence.
- Have been the victim of abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents or legal guardian.
Navigating the eligibility requirements and the intricacies of SIJS can be complex. Jaskot Law’s experienced immigration SIJS lawyers work diligently to ensure that qualified individuals secure the protection and stability they deserve in the United States.
How to Apply for the SIJ Classification
Special immigrant juveniles who seek to apply for the SIJ classification must follow a series of essential steps that aim to provide legal protection and stability. Among the key steps are the following:
Step 1
Obtain Juvenile Court Findings
The first step is to secure a dependency order from a juvenile court in the U.S., confirming that the minor has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or abandonment and cannot reunite with their parents due to these circumstances.
Step 2
File Form I-360
The next step involves filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the applicant’s eligibility for SIJS, and includes the juvenile court’s dependency findings.
Step 3
Wait for USCIS Approval
After submitting the Form I-360 petition, applicants must wait for USCIS to process and approve their petition. This approval is essential for the SIJS application to progress.
Step 4
Get Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Once the Form I-360 is approved, the applicant can either adjust their status to lawful permanent resident if they are in the U.S., or go through consular processing if they are outside the U.S. This step involves submitting additional forms and attending interviews, leading to the issuance of a green card.
Careful adherence to these steps is of paramount importance, since each plays a critical role in ensuring a successful case. At Jaskot law, our dedicated team of immigration lawyers can guide applicants through every stage of the SIJS application process.
Build a safer future with the help of our Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Lawyers
Every minor immigrant facing hardships in their lives should be provided with the foundations upon which they can build a successful and safer life. The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) emerges as the perfect resource to pave the way for a better future.
With a 100% win rate in SIJS cases, our experienced and specialized team of immigration lawyers at Jaskot Law prides itself on helping every applicant go through this complex process, face adversity, and make a huge step towards a brighter future. Let us help you!
FAQs that will Keep You Well-informed!
What will happen in state court during the process of applying for SIJS?
The minor is typically brought before the juvenile court on the counsel of a confidant or a concerned neighbor who has observed the domestic circumstances firsthand. Subsequently, the court assumes the responsibility of determining whether the minor has endured abuse, abandonment, or neglect under the care of the adult in question.
Who or what entity is in charge of granting the status to the special immigrant juvenile?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the state court but the USCIS that is in charge of granting SIJS status to migrant minors. The state court’s role in the SIJS process is only geared towards making the necessary determinations for the eligibility of the migrant juvenile.
Is there a cap on the number of SIJS visas issued each year?
No, there is no numerical limit or visa cap for SIJS beneficiaries. As a humanitarian program, it allows eligible applicants to obtain green cards without being subject to the usual immigration quotas imposed to other migratory remedies.
What happens if a SIJS application is denied?
If a SIJS application is denied, special immigrant juveniles have the right to appeal the decision. It is essential to seek legal counsel to understand the grounds of denial and explore options for appealing the decision.
