Understanding Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

If you’re an immigrant child living in the U.S. without legal status, you might be eligible for a special form of immigration relief known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is designed to help children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents obtain legal status in the United States.

Who Qualifies for SIJS?

To qualify for SIJS, you must meet certain criteria:

1. **Age**: You must be under 21 years old at the time of filing your petition for SIJS with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
2. **Unmarried**: You must be unmarried at the time of filing and when your SIJS petition is approved.
3. **Court Order**: You need an order from a state court that finds you were abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. The court must also determine that it is not in your best interest to return to your home country or the country where your parents live. This court order is often issued in the context of a guardianship case, or allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) case.

Why is SIJS Important?

Obtaining SIJS allows eligible young people to eventually apply for a green card, which provides lawful permanent residency in the U.S. This status offers stability, access to education, and the opportunity to work and build a future in the United States.

If you or someone you know might qualify for SIJS, it’s important to speak with an immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information about SIJS! We are here to help!