What is the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Program?

The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Program is a program in California that offers protection and legal relief to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected in their home countries. These children are usually unable to return to their family and country of origin, as they may face dangerous situations. SIJS provides a pathway to permanent residency for these children. SIJS is available to those who have been declared dependent on a juvenile court in California and fall into certain categories, including having endured abuse, abandonment, or neglect from a parent, or having been unable to reunite with their parents due to being a victim of human trafficking. The court must declare that the child is unable to be reunified with their parents due to one of these reasons before the child is able to get the status. Once the juvenile court has made a determination and issued an Order, a qualified legal professional may assist the child in submitting an application for a green card to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS will then determine whether the eligibility requirements for SIJS are met. Once approved, the child who has SIJS is eligible to apply for permanent residency, access government benefits, employment authorization, and more. Additionally, the child’s parent(s) may also receive protection under the program. The child will also be able to become a naturalized citizen once they turn 18.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

El Programa de Estatus de Menor Inmigrante Especial (SIJS, por sus siglas en inglés) es un programa de inmigración especialmente diseñado para ayudar a los niños menores de 18 años que han sido víctimas de negligencia, abandono, abuso, o maltrato por parte de sus padres en su país de origen. El programa fue creado para proporcionar una oportunidad a estas personas para vivir y trabajar con seguridad en los Estados Unidos. En California, si se demuestra que un niño ha sufrido estas circunstancias y que nuestro país no puede garantizar su protección, el juzgado podría otorgar el estatus de Menor Inmigrante Especial. Si se otorga, el SIJS ofrece al niño la oportunidad de obtener un documento de trabajo (“Work Permit”) y la posibilidad de solicitar una visa de residente permanente. La documentación necesaria para solicitar el SIJS en California puede incluir una declaración jurada, una custodia legal, un informe de Investigación de Dependencia y una orden judicial que especifique los hechos en los que se basa la petición. Si bien se requiere mucha documentación para obtener el estatus, también hay grupos que ofrecen ayuda gratuita para guiar a las familias a través de este proceso.

Related FAQs

What documents do I need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility?
Are there any restrictions on who I can petition to come to the US?
What options are available to someone with a criminal record who wants to become a US citizen?
How do I apply for the Violence Against Women Act?
How do I apply for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Program?
What is the process for replacing a passport?
What is an immigration judge and what does an immigration judge do?
How long does an immigrant visa take to process?
What is the process for a permanent resident to become a US citizen?
What is the process for applying for an immigrant visa for a sibling?

What is the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Program?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts