Morris Plains SIJS Lawyers
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) provides a pathway to legal residency for children and young adults who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment. With the right legal support from our Morris Plains SIJS lawyers, applicants can have the best chance at a successful outcome.
Key Takeaways:
SIJS is available to unmarried children and young adults under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, and who are seeking to remain in the U.S. for their safety and well-being.
The SIJS process includes obtaining a juvenile court order, filing forms with USCIS, and applying for a green card to obtain lawful permanent residency.
The right legal guidance is crucial in navigating the SIJS process, from obtaining the necessary court order to ensuring the proper filings are completed for successful green card approval.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a vital path to legal residency for children and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This process, while complex, provides a way for qualifying individuals to secure a brighter future in the United States. With the right legal support, you can approach the process with confidence, whether you are the guardian of an eligible child or an eligible young adult yourself.
At Mangone Law Firm, our team is dedicated to offering personalized attention and compassionate guidance, ensuring that every step is taken to achieve a successful outcome! Our lead attorney, Auguy Mangone, is a proud Latina immigrant herself and understands the hurdles children and families face. No matter what background an applicant comes from, our Morris Plains SIJS lawyers are committed to fighting for the best possible results.
Don’t wait to take action - contact our office today to request your consultation and learn more about how we can help you move forward!
What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a form of humanitarian immigration relief designed to help undocumented children and young adults in the U.S. who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It allows these individuals to apply for a green card and eventually gain lawful permanent residency.
To qualify for SIJS, the child or young adult must meet specific requirements that are outlined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process involves a court determination of the child’s eligibility based on their family circumstances. The child must be under 21 and unmarried to be eligible for SIJS.
Who Qualifies for SIJS?
The criteria for eligibility for SIJS include:
The child must be under the age of 21 and unmarried.
The child must have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both of their parents. This can include emotional, physical, or psychological abuse.
A juvenile court must make a determination that the child has been abused, neglected, or abandoned, and that it is in the best interest of the child to remain in the United States rather than return to their home country.
The child must not have a parent who can provide them with proper care and custody, making them eligible for the protection offered by SIJS.
Our Morris Plains SIJS lawyers take the time to learn the specific details of each potential applicant to help determine whether the child/young adult in question meets these qualifications.
Steps in the SIJS Application Process
The SIJS application process can be complex, but our skilled Morris Plains SIJS lawyers ensure that each step is handled correctly and the child/young adult is in the best possible position to achieve lawful status.
Obtain a Juvenile Court Order: The first step in applying for SIJS is obtaining a court order from a juvenile court in the United States that affirms the applicant’s eligibility for SIJS. This requires showing that the child/young adult has been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
File Form I-360: Once the juvenile court order is obtained, Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, must be filed with USCIS. This petition is the formal application for SIJS status.
File Form I-485: After USCIS approves the Form I-360 petition, the next step is to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if the child is in the U.S. This form is used to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residency).
Wait for Approval: After the forms are filed, USCIS will review the petition and supporting documents. If everything is in order, the child will be granted SIJS status and eventually lawful permanent residency.
Receive a Green Card: Once the SIJS application is approved, the applicant will be granted a green card and will be allowed to live and work legally in the U.S.
How Our Morris Plains SIJS Lawyers Can Make a Difference
At Mangone Law Firm, we understand that the SIJS process can be daunting, especially for young people who are already dealing with difficult family circumstances. Our team of experienced Morris Plains SIJS lawyers is here to provide the support and insights needed to navigate this process.
We can assist in every part of the process, including obtaining the original court order, preparing the application, representing the applicant if they are already in removal proceedings, and helping the applicant apply for lawful permanent residency following SIJS approval. With more than 15 years of experience, our team has the knowledge, skill, and compassion to guide you through every step of this journey.
Our bilingual team is here to serve you! Contact our firm today to book your consultation and discover your next steps.
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