SIJS stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, which is a form of immigration relief available to certain immigrant children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. SIJS is designed to provide protection and a pathway to lawful permanent residence (green card) for vulnerable children who are unable to reunify with their parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
To be eligible for SIJS, a child must meet the following criteria:
Dependency: The child must be declared dependent on a juvenile court in the United States or be eligible for long-term foster care due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents.
Best Interest: It must be determined by the juvenile court that it is not in the child’s best interest to be returned to their home country or to reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Age: The child must be under 21 years old at the time of filing the SIJS petition.
Eligibility for Green Card: The child must be admissible to the United States or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility.
If a child meets the eligibility criteria for SIJS, they can apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). SIJS applicants are generally eligible for a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility, making it possible for them to adjust status to lawful permanent residence.
SIJS provides a vital avenue for protection and stability for immigrant children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, allowing them to build a secure future in the United States. It’s essential for individuals seeking SIJS to consult with an experienced immigration attorney or accredited representative to understand the eligibility requirements and navigate the application process effectively.