SIJS
Special Immigrant juvenile is a process where a minor under the age of 21 years old can became legalized in the United States if it have suffered some form of abuse, neglect, and or abandonment.
Q: What is SIJS, and am I eligible?
A: SIJS is a pathway to lawful permanent residence (green card) for certain undocumented immigrants under the age of 21. To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
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You are unmarried and under 21 years old at the time of filing.
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You are currently in the United States.
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You have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or maltreated by one or both parents.
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You have a qualifying juvenile court order recommending your SIJS status.
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Reunification with one or both parents is not in your best interests as determined by a juvenile court
Q: What kind of court order do I need for SIJS?
A: You will need a juvenile court order from a state court that determines you meet the requirements for SIJS. This typically involves a dependency or neglect proceeding. An attorney can help you navigate this process in your state’s juvenile court system.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for SIJS?
A: The documents needed for SIJS can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Generally, you will need evidence of your age, immigration status, abuse or neglect, and your current living situation. An immigration attorney can help you gather and compile all the necessary documentation.
Q: What can I expect during the SIJS application process?
A: The SIJS process involves two main stages. First, you will need to obtain a qualifying juvenile court order. Then, you will need to file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant with USCIS. An immigration attorney can represent you throughout the entire process.
Q: How long does it take to get SIJS status?
A: The processing times for SIJS applications can vary depending on USCIS workloads and your specific case. An attorney can provide you with an estimated timeframe based on your situation.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to apply for SIJS?
A: The SIJS process can be complex, and having an experienced immigration attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of success. An attorney can help you navigate the juvenile court system, gather evidence, and ensure your application is properly filed with USCIS.