Protecting Vulnerable Children Through SIJS
The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) program offers vulnerable immigrant children a way to secure permanent residence in the United States. This blog post explains who qualifies for SIJS, how the process works, and the life-changing benefits it offers to children facing abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Key Benefits:
- Protection from deportation
- Ability to apply for a Green Card
- Access to educational and employment opportunities
Who Qualifies for SIJS?
- Be under 21 years old at the time of filing (age limit depends on state law)
- Be unmarried
- Be declared dependent on a juvenile court or placed under custody of a state agency or individual
- Have a court determination that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- It must not be in the child’s best interest to return to their home country
How the SIJS Process Works
- File a petition in state juvenile or family court to obtain a special findings order
- File Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) with USCIS
- Upon approval, apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) if a visa is available
Important: Timing is critical, especially if the child is close to turning 18 or 21, depending on your state’s laws.
Typical Clients We Help
- Children abandoned by one or both parents
- Minors placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect
- Young immigrants living with relatives or guardians after family breakdowns
- Children facing deportation with no safe return option
Your Next Steps
- Consult with an experienced immigration and family law attorney.
- Begin juvenile court proceedings as early as possible.
- Prepare strong evidence of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- File immigration petitions promptly to avoid aging out.
Tip: Early action can make the difference between success and heartbreaking loss of eligibility.
Schedule Your Consultation to Protect a Child’s Future
Every child deserves a chance at safety and hope.
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At the Law Offices of Fogam and Associates, LLC, we are honored to help vulnerable immigrant children find security, stability, and opportunity through SIJS.
Their future. Our mission.
About Law Offices of Fogam and Associates, LLC
Founded by Edwin Fogam, an immigrant attorney with over 28 years of experience, the Law Offices of Fogam and Associates, LLC is dedicated to serving immigrant families through humanitarian, family-based, business, and investment immigration solutions.
