Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a special way for immigrant children in the United States to get help if they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents. This status helps these children stay in the U.S. legally and get a Green Card, which allows them to live and work here permanently. The SIJS approval rate is an important factor to consider, as it reflects how many applications are successfully granted.
What is SIJS?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a law that helps children who have had a tough time with their parents. The U.S. government created this law to make sure these kids are safe and have a better future. It protects them from being sent back to their home countries, where they might be in danger. This process is officially handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (SIJS USCIS).
Who Can Get Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
To get SIJS, you must meet certain SIJS requirements:
- Be under 21 years old.
- Be unmarried.
- Be in the United States.
- Have a court order that says you depend on the court because of abuse, abandonment, or neglect by your parents.
How to Get SIJS
Getting SIJS involves several steps. Here’s how the SIJS process works:
1. Filing a Petition with USCIS
First, you need to fill out a form called Form I-360 SIJS and send it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (SIJS USCIS). You need to include proof of your age, your status in the U.S., and the court order showing you depend on the court because your parents mistreated you.
2. Getting a Juvenile Court Order
You must go to a state juvenile court and get an order that says you depend on the court or that you are in the custody of a guardian because of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. This order is very important for your SIJS application.
3. Submitting Evidence
Along with the form and the court order, you need to send other documents to support your case. These can include statements from people who know what happened to you, medical records, or police reports.
4. USCIS Review and Decision
After you send everything to USCIS, they will look at your case. They might do background checks and interviews. Then, they will decide if you can get Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
5. SIJS Approval Rate and Processing Time
The approval rate is high for applicants who meet all the criteria and provide strong evidence. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes several months to a year. It’s important to check the current SIJS approval rate 2024 for the latest information.
Benefits of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
If you get Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, you will have many benefits:
- SIJS Green Card: You can live and work in the U.S. permanently.
- Federal Benefits: You can get help with healthcare, education, and other services.
- Protection from Deportation: You won’t be sent back to your home country.
SIJS Adjustment of Status
Once your petition is approved, you can apply for SIJS adjustment of status to become a permanent resident. This involves filling out additional forms and providing more evidence. This step is crucial for obtaining your SIJS green card.
SIJS Guardianship and Age-Out
In some cases, you might need a guardian to help with your Special Immigrant Juvenile Status application. SIJS guardianship is when a responsible adult is appointed by the court to take care of you. Also, different states have different rules for when you might age out of eligibility. This is known as SIJS age-out by state.
SIJS in Different States
The SIJS process can vary slightly depending on where you live. For example, SIJS Massachusetts might have different local requirements compared to other states. It’s important to know the specific rules in your state.
Get Help from Santos Khoury LLC
Getting Special Immigrant Juvenile Status can be complicated. It’s a good idea to get help from lawyers who know about this process. Santos Khoury LLC can help you with your SIJS application. Our lawyers can guide you through each step, help you get the right documents, and make sure your application is strong.
Contact Santos Khoury LLC if you need help with your application. We are here to help you stay safe and build a better future in the United States.
SIJS in Other Languages
For those who speak Spanish, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in Spanish is known as “Estatus Especial de Inmigrante Juvenil.” Knowing this can help you find resources and support in your native language. At Santos Khoury LLC, we provide support in Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic to ensure you have the assistance you need throughout the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status process.
FAQs About Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
1. What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
It is a special law that helps immigrant children in the U.S. who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents. It helps them stay in the U.S. legally and get a Green Card.
2. Who can apply for SIJS?
To apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, you must:
- Be under 21 years old.
- Be unmarried.
- Be in the United States.
- Have a court order saying you depend on the court because of your parents’ mistreatment.
3. How do you apply for SIJS?
To apply, you need to:
- Fill out Form I-360 and send it to USCIS.
- Get a court order from a state juvenile court.
- Send other documents that support your case.
- Wait for USCIS to review and decide your case.
4. What benefits does SIJS provide?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status gives you:
- A Green Card to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
- Access to healthcare, education, and other services.
- Protection from being sent back to your home country.
5. How can Santos Khoury LLC help with the SIJS process?
Santos Khoury LLC can help you with your application. Our lawyers can:
- Guide you through each step of the process.
- Help you get the right documents.
- Represent you in court and with USCIS.
- Make sure your application is strong.
Contact Santos Khoury LLC today for help with your Special Immigrant Juvenile Status application. We are here to support you and help you stay safe in the United States.
