Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Services for Africans
Other Relief & Services
Advocating for the Rights of Vulnerable African Youth
At Empirefly Law Firm, we are committed to helping vulnerable African youth obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) to secure a safe and stable future in the United States. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate and comprehensive legal guidance to ensure a successful SIJS application process.
What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a humanitarian immigration program designed to provide lawful permanent residency (green card) to certain undocumented children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. This status offers a pathway to stability and protection for vulnerable youth who cannot return to their home country.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirement:
- The applicant must be under 21 years of age at the time of filing the SIJS petition.
Unmarried Status:
- The applicant must be unmarried.
Juvenile Court Order:
- Obtain a state juvenile court order declaring that the child is a dependent of the court or legally placed under the custody of an agency, department, or individual.
- The court must also determine that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a similar basis under state law.
- The court must find that it is not in the best interest of the child to return to their home country or the country of their parents’ last residence.
Consent from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
- The applicant must seek consent from USCIS for SIJS classification.
SIJS Application Process
Juvenile Court Proceedings:
- Initiate proceedings in a state juvenile court to obtain the necessary findings and orders regarding the child’s dependency, custody, and the inability to reunify with parents.
File Form I-360:
- Submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to USCIS along with the juvenile court order and other supporting evidence.
USCIS Review:
- USCIS reviews the petition and may request additional evidence or conduct an interview if necessary.
Adjustment of Status:
- If the Form I-360 is approved, file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to obtain a green card. The child may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status concurrently with the SIJS petition if an immigrant visa number is immediately available.
Interview and Decision:
- Attend any required interviews and respond to requests for additional information from USCIS. Upon approval, the child will be granted lawful permanent residency.
Why Choose Empirefly Law Firm?
Expert Legal Guidance:
- Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling SIJS cases and provide personalized advice tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable youth.
Comprehensive Support:
- We offer support at every step of the SIJS application process, from obtaining juvenile court orders to filing petitions and preparing for interviews.
Proven Success:
- Our firm has a strong track record of successfully helping African youth obtain SIJS and secure a stable future in the United States.
Client-Centered Approach:
- We are committed to making the SIJS application process as smooth and stress-free as possible, offering compassionate and reliable support throughout your journey.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to start your SIJS application? Contact Empirefly Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goal of securing a safe and stable future in the United States.
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Several forms of humanitarian relief are available, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). TPS provides temporary protection for nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict or environmental disasters. DACA offers protection and work authorization for eligible individuals brought to the U.S. as children. SIJS is available for minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. Our attorneys at Empirefly Law Firm can guide you through the eligibility criteria and application process for these programs.
To apply for a waiver of inadmissibility, you need to submit Form I-601 or Form I-601A, depending on your specific situation. These waivers are available for individuals who are otherwise ineligible for admission to the U.S. due to prior immigration violations, criminal convictions, or other grounds. You must demonstrate that denying your entry would result in extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative. Empirefly Law Firm's experienced attorneys can help you prepare a strong waiver application, including gathering necessary documentation and presenting a compelling case.
A U visa provides protection and work authorization for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Eligible crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and more. To qualify, you must obtain a certification from a law enforcement agency confirming your cooperation. Empirefly Law Firm can assist you in gathering the required evidence, obtaining law enforcement certification, and navigating the U visa application process.
The T visa offers protection and work authorization for victims of human trafficking. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you are a victim of severe trafficking, are physically present in the U.S. on account of trafficking, have complied with any reasonable request from law enforcement for assistance, and would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the U.S. Our attorneys at Empirefly Law Firm can help you prepare a comprehensive T visa application, including gathering supporting evidence and obtaining law enforcement certification.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to self-petition for legal status without the abuser's knowledge. To file a VAWA petition, you must demonstrate that you have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. Empirefly Law Firm provides compassionate and confidential assistance to help you gather the necessary evidence and file a successful VAWA petition.
If your immigration case is denied, you have the option to file an appeal or a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. Appeals are typically filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), while motions to reopen or reconsider are submitted to the same office that issued the denial. These actions must be based on new evidence or a legal error in the original decision. It's crucial to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines. Empirefly Law Firm's skilled attorneys can evaluate your case, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you throughout the appeals process to seek a favorable outcome.