Posted by Christian K. Campbell
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration classification that allows minor children to obtain lawful permanent immigration status through the state juvenile system who meet certain criteria. The specific requirements include that the applicant be under 21 years old, unmarried, declared dependent in a juvenile court, that reunification with one or both minor’s parents is no longer viable because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similarly situated state law, and it is not in the best interest of the minor to return to their native country.
There are a number of benefits and reasons why one should consider obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. As an immigration remedy, SIJS requires the involvement of a state juvenile court, rather than solely proceeding before federal immigration authorities. Obtaining an SIJS predicate order provides the basis for a minor child to apply for adjustment of their status to lawful permanent resident (LPR). LPR status allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States, travel outside of the United States, become eligible for certain public benefits, and apply for U.S. citizenship.