Is a child eligible for the special immigrant juvenile status if they have been abused, neglected or abandoned?

Yes, a child in Washington is eligible for special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) status if they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The Immigration and Nationality Act allows certain children to be classified as a “special immigrant” if they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. To qualify, the child must meet the following requirements: (1) be younger than 21 years of age; (2) have been declared dependent upon a court in the United States; (3) the court must have determined that it is not in the child’s best interest to be returned to their home country; (4) the child must have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both of their parents; and (5) reunification with one or both parents is not possible or not in the best interest of the child. In addition, the child must demonstrate that they have been legally admitted to the United States and that they are admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must approve the SIJ petition before the child can obtain SIJ status and then apply for a green card. If granted SIJ status, a child can obtain a green card and remain in the U.S. permanently. SIJ status can also help a child gain access to social services, educational opportunities, and employment. It is important to note that to be eligible for SIJ status, a child must be physically present in the United States. Lastly, it is important to seek the help of an experienced immigration attorney to help with the SIJ process.

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La ley de inmigración de Washington es clara en lo que se refiere al estado de inmigrante joven especial para los niños. Si un menor ha sido abusado, negligenciado o abandonado, está elegible para ese estado. Esto significa que los niños que hayan sufrido cualquiera de estos problemas pueden tener el estado de inmigrante joven especial, lo que les proporciona algunas protecciones y beneficios. Si un niño califica para este estado, también puede tener una visa de trabajo y podrá trabajar para obtener una visa de residencia permanente. Además, también recibirán algunos otros beneficios, como la posibilidad de tener un número de seguro social, así como la accesibilidad a otros programas sociales, educativos, post-secundarios y médicos. Estas son algunas de las ventajas que tendrán los menores inmigrantes que obtengan el estado de inmigrante joven especial.

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