Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a federal immigration classification that provides a pathway to permanent residency for certain undocumented children in the United States. To be eligible for SIJS, a child must have been declared independent on a juvenile court due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. Additionally, the court must have found that it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country, and that reunification with one or both parents is not viable.
Once a child has been granted SIJS by USCIS, they can apply for lawful permanent residency and eventually citizenship. This classification is particularly important for undocumented children who may have experienced trauma and hardship in their home countries or in the United States. It provides a pathway to stability and security for these vulnerable children, who may otherwise be at risk of deportation and further harm. It is important to note that SIJS is a complex area of immigration law, and seeking the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended.
Be sure to call our office in order to receive more information about whether you or a loved one are eligible for SIJS.