New York City Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Attorney
SIJS Guidance in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties
Many parents bring their children to the United States in pursuit of a better life. These children are put in a difficult position if they are undocumented, but their situations can become even worse if they are abused, neglected, or even abandoned by their parents. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration benefit that allows minors in these scenarios to get green cards, giving them a path to lawful permanent residency and citizenship.
At The Law Office of Jason A. Dennis, we are committed to helping legal minors and some young adults access this invaluable benefit and move forward with their lives. Our New York City Special Immigrant Juvenile Status lawyer offers a personal, compassionate level of service and will work closely with you (and your loved ones) throughout our handling of your case. We understand how to successfully navigate this often-complex, frequently confusing process and will leverage our knowledge and resources every step of the way.
Contact us online or call (347) 868-6100 to schedule a free case evaluation. Flexible payment options, same-day appointments, and services in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole are available.
Who Qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Not all undocumented minors are eligible for SIJS. You must have been abandoned, neglected, or abused by one or both parents.
The exact eligibility criteria for SIJS can vary from state to state, but broadly, you must:
- Be under the age of 21 (in some states, under the age of 18)
- Be unmarried
- Be declared a dependent of someone other than their biological or adoptive parents by order of a family court, juvenile court, or probate court in your state
In addition to these requirements, reunification with either of your parents must be impractical due to abandonment, neglect, or abuse. It must also not be in your best interest to be returned to your home country or previous country of residence.
If you are an undocumented minor or young adult who has been abused, neglected, or abandoned by your parents, do not wait to get in touch with The Law Office of Jason A. Dennis. We can review your circumstances and determine whether you qualify for this powerful form of immigration relief.
What Are the Benefits of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
If you are granted SIJS, you may remain in the United States and cannot be deported due to your undocumented status. You can also request work authorization if you are old enough.
Most importantly, as someone with SIJS, you can immediately apply for a green card. With SIJS, your history as an undocumented immigrant and your inability to financially provide for yourself will in the grand majority of cases be overlooked. There is also no waiting period before you can begin the application process, so it is in your best interest to start as soon as possible.
Getting a green card makes you a lawful permanent resident. As a lawful permanent resident, you can live anywhere in the United States and work almost all types of jobs. You can also apply to naturalize and become a U.S. citizen if you meet certain eligibility requirements, including completing a mandatory waiting period.
There is a caveat to obtaining a green card through SIJS. Lawful permanent residents who previously had SIJS are never able to sponsor either of their parents for green cards. It does not matter if only one parent was abusive or if you eventually make amends with one or both parents: The limitation is permanent.
If you are the new legal guardian of someone with SIJS or have just received SIJS yourself, we are ready to help you get your green card. Our New York City Special Immigrant Juvenile Status lawyer is extremely familiar with the application process and will provide you with comprehensive, attentive guidance from beginning to end.
Have questions about SIJS or whether someone you know may qualify? Call (347) 868-6100 or contact us online today.
