Are children able to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if they are in removal proceedings?

Children in removal proceedings in California are not eligible to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), however there are exceptions in some cases. Generally, children who have been identified as refugees or asylees, or in some instances, those who have a pending application for asylum, may be eligible for an EAD. Things become a bit more complicated when the child is an unaccompanied minor or is a special immigrant juvenile. Unaccompanied minors under the age of 18, or special immigrant juveniles, may be eligible for an EAD, however they must be certified by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. This will require a referral to the local office and documentation which proves the child is an unaccompanied minor or a special immigrant juvenile. Children’s cases are complex, and the situation can vary depending on the individual circumstances. It is highly recommended that a family consults with a reputable immigration attorney to discuss their particular situation and determine their eligibility for any forms of relief. That way, they can get proper legal advice and be informed of their options before making any decisions.

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Los niños en California pueden recibir un Documento de Autorización de Empleo (EAD) si se encuentran en proceso de remoción. Esto es posible gracias a la iniciativa de acción diferida para los llegados en la infancia que fue aprobada en el 2012. Esta ley cubre a aquellos inmigrantes indocumentados que llegaron a Estados Unidos cuando eran niños. Si un niño californiano cumple con los requisitos establecidos, él o ella puede recibir el EAD para trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos. Además, los menores de edad tienen la posibilidad de solicitar un documento de autorización de trabajo a través de una petición de un padre, un tutor, una madre, un hermano, un hermano mayor o un padrastro. Esta petición debe ser aprobada por el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS). En última instancia, siempre y cuando la persona cumpla con los requisitos establecidos, el niño puede solicitar el EAD para trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos. Finalmente, aunque los niños no pueden solicitar el EAD sin la petición de un padre o tutor, muchas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, como el National Immigrant Justice Center, ofrecen asesoramiento legal para ayudar a los padres a solicitar un EAD para sus hijos. Con el apoyo adecuado, los niños californianos pueden tener la oportunidad de recibir un documento de autorización de empleo y trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos.

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