Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status

A Humanitarian Path to Permanent Residency for Abandoned or Vulnerable Youth

Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status is a powerful immigration option for certain undocumented children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. This pathway allows eligible youth to obtain lawful permanent residency (a green card)—without needing a parent to sponsor them.

At Borderless Lawyers, we advocate for vulnerable children and work closely with families, guardians, and state courts to guide them through the complex SIJ process.

---

✅ What Is SIJ Status?

The Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification was created to protect foreign children in the U.S. who cannot safely reunite with one or both of their parents. Once granted SIJ status, the child can apply for permanent residency and build a secure future in the United States.

---

👤 Who Qualifies for SIJ?

To be eligible for SIJ classification, a child must:

• Be under 21 years old and unmarried at the time of application

• Be physically present in the U.S.

• Have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents

• Have a state juvenile court order stating:

  • The child cannot reunify with a parent due to abuse/abandonment/neglect

  • It is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country

⚖️ SIJ is a humanitarian relief, not a pathway for general custody disputes or immigration through parents.

---

📋 SIJ Application Process

1. Obtain Juvenile Court Order

   • Work with a state court to issue findings on parental abuse or neglect and best interest of the child.

2. File Form I-360 (Petition for SIJ Classification)

   • Must include valid juvenile court order and supporting documentation.

3. Wait for USCIS Decision

   • If approved, the child receives SIJ classification.

4. Apply for Green Card (Form I-485)

   • If visa is available, submit green card application and attend biometrics appointment/interview.

---

💡 Benefits of SIJ Status

• Path to lawful permanent residency

• No need for parental sponsorship

• Protection from deportation or removal

• Access to public education and some state benefits

• Eligibility for U.S. citizenship after 5 years as a green card holder

---

⚠️ Important Considerations

• SIJ classification does not provide immigration benefits to the child’s parents

• The child must remain unmarried throughout the process

• Immigration consequences for prior juvenile delinquency or criminal issues should be evaluated

---

🧾 Our SIJ Legal Services Include:

• Legal strategy and eligibility screening

• Coordination with family law attorneys and state courts

• Preparation of SIJ findings order

• USCIS petition and green card application filing

• Representation in interviews or responses to requests for evidence (RFEs)

---

🌐 Protect a Child’s Future With Expert Immigration Support

If you know a child in the U.S. who may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile status, our compassionate legal team can help secure their path to lawful residence.