At Barrera Legal Group, we are proud to announce the approval of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for our client, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward lawful permanent residency in the United States.
What is SIJS? SIJS is a form of relief available to minors who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected by one or both parents. In this case, our client was granted SIJS due to abandonment by one parent. This status provides two critical benefits:
1. Deferred Action: Our client can now remain in the United States without fear of removal for the next four years. During this time, they are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD), allowing them to work legally in the U.S.
2. Pathway to a Green Card: When our client’s priority date becomes current, likely in about 3-4 years, they will be eligible to apply for a green card through the I-485 adjustment of status process. This will provide them with lawful permanent residency and a secure future in the United States.
Our Approach: The process of securing SIJS for our client involved several key steps. First, we successfully obtained a guardianship order and a special findings order from the family court, which confirmed the client’s abandonment and neglect. These legal determinations were essential in establishing the client’s eligibility for SIJS. With these orders in hand, we then filed the Form I-360, which has now been approved.
Now, with SIJS approved, our client can immediately apply for their employment authorization while they wait for their priority date to become current.
At Barrera Legal Group, we are dedicated to helping vulnerable children and young adults navigate the complex immigration system. If you or someone you know may qualify for SIJS, contact us today at www.barreralegal.com to schedule a consultation. We are here to guide you every step of the way.