Facing immigration issues as a minor can be overwhelming, adding uncertainty to an already challenging time. A skilled special immigrant juvenile status lawyer NYC can make this journey easier, guiding you through the process and protecting your rights.
Who Qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
If you’re in the United States and require the safeguarding provided by a juvenile court due to experiencing abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent.
If you are acquainted with a child who might be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, please reach out to Law Office of Ghenadie Rusu, by calling (347) 907-1248 to set up a no-cost consultation with our knowledgeable team.
Why Choose our Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Lawyer NYC Service
- Expert Knowledge: As just a New York SIJS attorney can have, we possess thorough knowledge regarding Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This allows us to provide helpful advice and build strong cases for our underage clients.
- Extensive Experience: Our SIJ immigration New York City lawyers have years of experience representing juveniles dealing with immigration issues. Our expertise ranges from initial applications to appeals and beyond.
- Personalized Approach: Each case is unique, and thus, deserves a personalized approach. Our NY Special Immigrant juvenile attorneys develop customized strategies that align with every young individual’s specific circumstances.
- Strong Advocacy: Our juvenile attorneys in New York City fight tirelessly to safeguard your rights, ensuring fair treatment throughout the course of your immigration proceedings.
- Compassionate Service: We understand that dealing with immigration procedures can be stressful, especially for young individuals. As your reliable special juvenile immigrant status NYC lawyer, we provide compassionate, empathic service every step of the way.
Navigating SIJS can be complex. Contact our legal team for specialized advice and support.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Application Process
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status is a legal immigration pathway. It can seem daunting, but our experts guide you through each step confidently.
Here’s how we approach the SIJ process:
1. Initial Consultation
First, we discuss your unique case details in an initial meeting. Fully understanding your situation allows us to identify the best legal strategy.
2. Obtaining Required Court Findings
Next, we work to obtain specific findings from a state juvenile court. These verify abuse, neglect, or abandonment by a parent occurred.
3. Filing SIJ Petition
With the necessary court findings, we’ll prepare and file Form I-360 – the petition for SIJ status – with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. Providing Supporting Documentation
RehumanizeWe collect and submit all required paperwork – birth certificates, court orders, evidence supporting your case circumstances.
5. USCIS Processing
Next, your petition joins a queue. USCIS handles processing, taking varying times. We maintain contact with USCIS, updating case status.
6. Receiving SIJ Status Confirmation
With I-360 approval, you’re eligible for SIJ status.
Reach out to us at (347) 907-1248 or connect with us through our online platform for more information on our assistance.
Benefits of SIJ Status
The Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status can offer a variety of important benefits for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent. Below are some the key benefits:
Path to Lawful Permanent Residency
- Green Card Eligibility: Children granted SIJ status are eligible to apply for a Green Card (lawful permanent residence). This is probably the most significant benefit as it can lead to eventual U.S. citizenship.
Safety and Stability
- Protections Against Removal: Once granted SIJ status, these minors are protected from deportation proceedings or removal from the United States.
- Staying in a Safe Environment: SIJ status allows minors to remain in the U.S. where they can be placed in foster care or with a guardian, away from the abuse, neglect, or abandonment they experienced.
Access to Work and Education
- Employment Authorization: Those with SIJ status can obtain a work permit, allowing them to be employed in the U.S. while their Green Card application is being processed.
Health and Social Services
- Access to Healthcare: Once SIJ status is granted, and especially after obtaining a Green Card, the individual may access necessary health and social services, including Medicaid and other benefits, depending on the state’s regulations.
Family Unification
- Though individuals with SIJ status cannot petition for their biological or adoptive parents, they may:
- Petition for Family Members: Once they become U.S. citizens, they can petition for family members, such as siblings or a future spouse and children, to join them in the U.S.
No Sponsorship Requirement
- Self-petitioning: Unlike many other immigration benefits, SIJ status does not require an employer or family member to sponsor the petition; minors can self-petition.
Reduced Barriers in the Application Process
- Exemption from Some Grounds of Inadmissibility: SIJ applicants are exempt from certain grounds of inadmissibility that often affect other immigrants, such as being able to prove that they will not become a public charge.
Employment and Social Security
- Social Security Number: Upon obtaining their Green Card, SIJ beneficiaries can receive a Social Security Number, which is necessary for employment, taxation, and to access other services.
Long-term Opportunities
- Pathway to Citizenship: After maintaining their Green Card for five years, individuals may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, thus providing them with the full spectrum of rights and benefits that come with this status.
Are you a juvenile in need of immigration assistance? Find out how we can help.
The Significance of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Having a strong support system is paramount when navigating the complexities of immigration law, especially for youth. As experienced SIJS Attorney NYC, we offer comprehensive and compassionate guidance throughout the process.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) presents a crucial legal remedy for certain immigrants under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents. When it comes to securing the future of these young individuals, simply no other NY Special immigrant juvenile attorney does it better.
Thoroughly Understanding Your Case
Our Law Office of Ghenadie Rusu team of dedicated SIJ immigration New York City attorneys delves deep into every case, ensuring nothing is overlooked. We take time to thoroughly understand each client’s personal history, circumstances, and goals to define a robust strategy.
Support Beyond Legal Representation
Behind every successful application, there stands a compassionate New York SIJS attorney dedicated to their client’s well-being. In addition to comprehensive legal representation, we offer emotional support and guidance to help minors navigate this challenging process successfully.
Handling Appeals and Extensions
If you have received a negative decision from USCIS regarding your SIJS application, our experienced special juvenile immigrant status NYC attorneys can assist. We efficiently handle all aspects of appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider your case.
Contact Us Today for SIJ Immigration
The prospect of facing immigration issues as a minor can be daunting. But with the right help, the path becomes clear and manageable. Contact our experienced special immigrant juvenile status lawyer NYC today to discuss your situation and explore your options. We’re dedicated to providing the support, knowledge, and representation to guide you through this challenging process and secure your future.
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SIJ Immigration FAQs:
How Long Does It Take to Process I-360 SIJ?
As of early 2024, it can take 180 days (about 6 months) from your official filing date.
How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost USA?
The cost of an immigration lawyer in the USA can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case, complexity, and the lawyer’s experience level. On average, immigration attorneys could charge between $150 to $350.
What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in NY?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) is a special way for immigrant youth who cannot be reunited with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a similar reason, to become lawful permanent residents of the United States and obtain a green card.
How Much Is the Fee for I-360?
As of the update from USCIS effective from April 1, 2024, it is $435.
What Age Is a Juvenile in NYC?
In New York City, a juvenile is a person under the age of between ages 12 and 15 .
What Is the Juvenile Court Called in New York?
In New York, juvenile cases are typically handled by the Family Court.
What does SIJS stand for?
SIJS stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
How long does SIJS take?
The processing time for SIJS can vary depending on current workload and individual cases. It can generally take anywhere from 6 months to complete the process.
How to apply for SIJS?
Applying for SIJS involves a two-step process:
- State Court Order: You must first obtain a court order from a state juvenile court judge. This order needs to determine that you have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents, and that you cannot be reunified with them.
- USCIS Application: Once you have the court order, you can file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Consulting with an immigration attorney specializing in SIJS is highly recommended for this step.
What is the filing fee for SIJS?
The current filing fee for Form I-360 is $985. There may be additional fees associated with USCIS processing and biometrics.
What are the benefits of SIJS immigration?
- Legal Permanent Residency: If granted SIJS, you can obtain a green card, allowing you to legally live and work in the United States.
- Eligibility for Citizenship: After obtaining your green card, you can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Path to a Better Life: SIJS provides a path to stability and opportunity for immigrant youth who have faced difficult circumstances.
What is a SIJ Green Card?
A SIJ Green Card is a lawful permanent resident (LPR) card that allows certain non citizen children to apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States
How to check the priority date for SIJS?
You can find this date on the I- 360 receipt notice.
What is the preference category for SIJS?
SIJS applications are not processed based on preference categories like employment-based fourth preference (EB-4). They are considered on a case-by-case basis.
