Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition (SIJP)

Some children present in the United States without legal immigration status may be in need of humanitarian protection because they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status is an immigration classification that may allow for these vulnerable children to immediately apply for lawful permanent resident status (“LPR” status or a “Green Card”).

Juvenile courts issue orders that help determine a child’s eligibility for SIJ status. A child cannot apply to USCIS for SIJ status without an order from a juvenile court. However, juvenile judges should note that providing an order does not grant SIJ status or a “Green Card” – only USCIS can grant or deny these benefits. The role of the court is to make factual findings based on state law about the abuse, neglect, or abandonment; family reunification; and best interests of the child.

Contact a Family Law Attorney in Manhattan today

Call Dalbir Singh and Associates, PC at 212-428-2000 for a free consultation. Our New York City office is conveniently located in the Financial District, at 40 Wall Street, Floor 25, New York, NY 10005. We’re open five days a week.