Can a child apply for immigration if they do not have parents or a legal guardian?
Yes, a child in Florida can apply for immigration without parents or a legal guardian. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created special regulations, also known as “special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) status,” which allows a child who is without parents or legal guardian to apply for immigration. In order to be considered for SIJ status, the child must be unmarried, under the age of 21, and have a court order stating that the state has determined it is not in the child’s best interest to be reunified with either parent. Additionally, the court must find that it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country. Once the child meets these requirements, they can apply for SIJ status and proceed with their immigration application. Once an application for SIJ status has been approved, the child is eligible to apply for a green card. In order to do so, they must fill out Form I-485 and submit it with the appropriate evidence. After the application is approved, the child may be eligible to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. It is important to note that applying for SIJ status and a green card without a parent or guardian can be a difficult process, and it is recommended that individuals seeking such a status seek the advice of an immigration attorney.
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