SIJS case for children

Key Rights with SIJS I-360 Approval Benefits Protection from Deportation: One of the most significant benefits of receiving I-360 approval under SIJS is protection from deportation. After obtaining SIJS classification, minors are legally recognized under this status, meaning they cannot be removed from the U.S. based on their previous undocumented status. This crucial protection offers stability and peace of mind, allowing minors to plan for their future in the U.S. without fear of removal. Work Authorization: Once your SIJS classification is approved by USCIS, you become eligible to apply for work authorization. Through an immigration attorney, you can request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which grants you the right to work legally in the United States. Importantly, minors under SIJS can obtain this work authorization even before applying for a green card, offering the opportunity to work lawfully for up to four years. This allows SIJS recipients to gain independence and potentially support themselves or their families while pursuing further steps toward residency. Pathway to a Green Card: Approval of Form I-360 is a crucial step on the pathway to becoming a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder. With this status, you are eligible to apply for adjustment of status through Form I-485. After approval, you will receive your green card, officially granting you the privileges of permanent residency. As a green card holder, you can reside in the U.S. indefinitely, with potential future pathways to citizenship. Access to Education: SIJS-approved individuals have the right to access public education. Many minors who obtain SIJS status may qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. This benefit makes higher education more affordable, helping SIJS recipients to pursue academic and career goals without facing prohibitive costs. Certain states may offer additional support, so check with an immigration attorney or school advisor for your specific eligibility. Social Services and Benefits: With a green card, SIJS recipients may become eligible for various social services and benefits, including healthcare, housing assistance, and other public benefits provided to lawful permanent residents. These services can play a critical role in helping SIJS recipients stabilize their lives, improve their quality of life, and build a foundation for future success in the U.S. Travel Flexibility: After receiving a green card, you will be able to travel outside the United States and re-enter, though specific rules and limitations apply. If you plan to travel abroad, it’s important to stay informed of re-entry requirements and keep your documents updated. In some cases, prolonged absences may affect your residency, so consulting an immigration attorney before travel is advisable. Next Steps After I-360 Approval Receiving SIJS I-360 approval is only the beginning. Following the appropriate steps will help ensure a smooth transition to lawful permanent residency: Apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Your next step is to file Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to change your status from a special immigrant juvenile to a lawful permanent resident. Working with an attorney can help …

Feeling Unsafe Sharing Your SIJS Story? Here's How We Can Help!Many young immigrants face a difficult choice when navigating through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) process: share their harrowing stories to gain eligibility or remain silent out of fear. Attorney Kousha Adhami's blog post tackles this critical issue and offers a solution: SIJS confidentiality.

Imagine being young, alone, and navigating a foreign land without the support of your parents. This is the reality for many undocumented youths in the U.S. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a beacon of hope for these individuals. It’s not just a legal term; it’s a lifeline for those under 21 who’ve faced the harsh reality of parental mistreatment. Now, let’s review the steps you must take for the SIJS Program. Are You Eligible for the SIJS? If you’re under 21, unmarried, and have found yourself in a situation where returning to your parents is impossible due to abuse or neglect, SIJS could be your path to a safer life. It’s about ensuring you, as a young person, have a fighting chance for stability and security in the U.S. What Is the First Big Step for the SIJS Applicants? Court Findings! The journey starts in the courtroom, not for a trial but for protection. State juvenile courts are pivotal in establishing that you need help and can’t safely return to your home country. These findings form the foundation of your SIJS application. When should I apply for the SIJS Program? After the court recognizes your need for protection, it’s time to approach the USCIS. Think of this step as narrating your story – why you need SIJS. This stage involves gathering documents reflecting your life’s challenging chapters and why you deserve a new beginning in the U.S. What is the final step toward Permanent Residency (Green Card) in 2024 and 2025? Once USCIS gives you the green light, the final hurdle awaits – applying for permanent residence. It’s a detailed process, like putting together a puzzle of your life with forms, medical exams, and interviews. But remember, it’s a step closer to a future where you’re no longer just surviving but thriving. Conclusion: SIJS is more than just legal jargon; it promises a better tomorrow for young immigrants. Understanding these steps and seeking the proper support can transform this complex journey into a story of success and resilience.

What is SIJS? The SIJS Program serves as a lifeline for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment from one or both parents, enabling them to obtain legal permanent residence in the U.S. Successfully navigating the SIJS Program and securing a Green Card paves the way for a green card and a legitimate legal status. Stepping Stones to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status-Based Green Card: Present Solid Proof: Ensure you have authentic and substantial evidence showcasing the applicant’s history of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Enlisting an attorney is paramount here. Court Appearance: Applicants must stand before a judge, articulating why the child’s well-being must gain protective status in the U.S. Again, having an attorney by your side is indispensable. SIJS Guardianship: Securing legal guardianship for SIJS candidates is essential. Formalities: File the I-360 petition accurately. Timely Court Orders: Securing the necessary SIJS court orders before turning 21 is vital. Engage an attorney to guide you. Deportation Safeguard: Initiate a request to halt any active deportation cases. Consider the age threshold and procedural timelines for each stage. Since SIJS candidates must secure court orders before turning 21, they must provide compelling evidence, accurately complete necessary forms, and efficiently manage paperwork to boost their eligibility for the SIJS program. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Every second counts, and you should take advantage of it. Expand Your Knowledge with the VIVAVISA Podcast Considering the intricacies of the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status process, it’s essential to be well-informed. Before embarking on any application or payments, dive deep into the SIJS eligibility criteria and procedures by tuning into our 20-minute VIVAVISA podcast. Our podcast elucidates the entire process, clarifying your rights and the steps ahead. Post-podcast, we’re here for you! If you have any lingering queries, contact our multilingual legal advisors, fluent in Spanish, English, and Persian. Alternatively, click on the link below to email us with your concerns. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post, where we’ll delve into the specifics of SIJS eligibility and the profile of ideal candidates.