Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of immigration relief available to children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, and who cannot be reunified with either parent due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law. SIJS is intended to protect vulnerable children and to provide them with a path to lawful permanent residence in the United States.

To be eligible for SIJS, the child must be under the age of 21 and unmarried. The child must also obtain a specific court order from a state juvenile court stating that they meet the eligibility requirements for SIJS. Once the court order is obtained, the child may file an SIJS petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.

It is important to note that the SIJS process can be complex and requires the involvement of both state courts and federal immigration authorities. An experienced immigration attorney can provide guidance and assistance throughout the process.