What is the definition of a “minor” in immigration law?
In immigration law, a “minor” is defined as a person under the age of 18. In New Jersey, minors are often referred to as a person under the age of 21. However, for immigration law, minors are considered to be anyone below the age of 18. Minors may be eligible to apply for certain types of legal immigration status, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Under DACA, minors may be eligible to receive protection from deportation and work authorization. Additionally, minors may sponsor certain family members for an immigration visa or green card through a process known as “child status protection.” Under this process, minors are treated as adult family members for the purpose of visa eligibility. This means that even if a minor has already turned 18 or is about to, they may still be eligible to sponsor certain family members for a visa. Minors may also apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which provides lawful immigration status to children who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused by at least one parent. To qualify for SIJS, the minor must meet certain criteria, including that the minor is not being reunited with either parent in the United States. SIJS can provide a path to lawful permanent residence and is a viable immigration option for minors who meet the eligibility requirements.
THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.En el derecho de inmigración, un “menor” es una persona que no ha cumplido los 18 años de edad. La mayoría de las veces, el estado reconoce la mayoría de edad a los 18 años, pero en algunos casos, el estado puede establecer una edad diferente para el caso particular. Por ejemplo, en Nueva Jersey, un menor es legalmente reconocido como una persona menor de 21 años. En el contexto de la ley migratoria, un menor también se refiere a una persona que no es ciudadano estadounidense o residente legal. Esto significa que un menor no tiene los mismos derechos y privilegios que otros que sí son ciudadanos o residentes. Esto puede afectar a las decisiones que tome el gobierno y a los recursos a los que los menores tienen acceso. Además, un menor también se puede referir a una persona que busca asilo. Esto significa que los menores que buscan asilo no deben ser devueltos a su país de origen si no pueden regresar con seguridad. Esto se conoce como el principio de no devolución. Esta norma se implementa para proteger a los menores de cualquier riesgo que pudieran correr al regresar a su país de origen.
Related FAQs
Can a child apply for immigration if they do not have parents or a legal guardian?Are there any special requirements for a child to be granted a visa?
Are there any special circumstances that allow a child to stay in the U.S.?
What is the process of family reunification in immigration law?
Can a child be eligible for a special immigrant visa if they were victims of domestic violence?
Are there any special considerations for a child to obtain a provisional waiver of inadmissibility?
Is a child able to travel outside of the U.S. while their adjustment of status application is in process?
Can a child apply for immigration without a visa?
Are minors able to be financially sponsored by a third party?
Can a child apply for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
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