If a juvenile has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parent(s), they may be able to apply for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). In order to be eligible for the SIJ Classification, the juvenile must be under the age of 21 at the time of filing the SIJ petition (Form I-360). The juvenile must also be currently residing in the U.S., be unmarried, obtain written consent from the Department of Health and Human Services, and provide a valid juvenile court order issued. If eligible after the above requirements, the juvenile may apply for the SIJ Classification in conjunction with a Form I-360.
To petition for an SIJ, the juvenile must provide a completed Form I-360, evidence of their age through an identifiable document, court orders, and written consent from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services along with a Form G-28. All of this information is to be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If a juvenile is able to be granted SIJ status, then they may be able to apply for a Green Card. In order to apply for a Green Card, the juvenile must complete Form I-485 to officially apply for lawful permanent residence status (LPR).
Mil Mujeres provides assistance and information regarding the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. For more information, please email questions@milmujeres.org or call (202) 808-3311