Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ)

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status?

If you are under the age of 18, the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18, who has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents, there is a pathway to legal residency designed specifically to protect them. It is called Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status. This is a unique and powerful humanitarian program created by the government to help undocumented children and teens find safety and build a stable, permanent life in the United States. Successfully obtaining SIJ status opens the door to getting a green card, allowing you to live, work, and study here legally without the fear of deportation.

A Two-Step Process

Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, but it helps to know that the SIJ journey is broken down into two main steps:

  • Step 1: The Juvenile/Family Court Order – Before you can apply with USCIS, you must go before a state court (usually a family or juvenile court). The goal is to obtain an order by the judge showing that the child(ren) has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents, it is unsafe for the child to go back to their home country, and that it is in the best interest of child to remain in the United States with a guardian or parent.

  • Step 2: The Immigration Application – Once we have that crucial court order, we use it to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After this petition is approved, you become eligible to apply for Lawful Permanent Residency (a Green Card) when a visa number is available.

How We Can Help: Because this process requires dealing with both local state judges and federal immigration officers, having an experienced legal team by your side is essential. We are here to guide you through every step, protect your rights, and help you secure the safe future you deserve. Attorney Ramirez has experience in family and immigration law, which allows him to handle the case in its entirety from start to finish. Call (346)-638-7684 to schedule a consultation today.