Germantown, MD Special Immigrant Juvenile Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Minors Apply for SIJ Status in Germantown, Maryland

Many children who arrive in the U.S.A. from other countries experience hardship, including abandonment by one or both of their parents. Some minors may find themselves in unsafe living situations, or they may suffer harm due to abuse or neglect. To protect children who may be at risk, U.S. immigration laws can help ensure that they will remain safe by granting the status of Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ).

For minors in Germantown, Maryland, obtaining SIJ status can be a life-changing opportunity that will allow them to avoid deportation, maintain a legal status, and eventually become U.S. citizens. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our immigration attorneys provide guidance for children and their guardians during the complex process of applying for SIJ status. Whether we are filing petitions or representing a minor in court, we work to provide compassionate legal support that will help our client achieve a secure future in the United States.

When a Minor May Apply for SIJ Status

Special Immigrant Juvenile status may be available to minors who have been removed from the custody of a parent. If a court determines that reunification with either or both of their parents would not be in the child's best interests, the child may be eligible for SIJ status. To qualify, the child must:

• Be under the age of 21 when filing the SIJ petition
• Be unmarried
• Be declared dependent on a juvenile court or placed in the custody of a foster care program or a legal guardian.
• Receive a ruling from a juvenile court stating that issues such as child abuse, parental neglect, or abandonment by a parent would prevent a child from being reunified with at least one of their parents

In Germantown, these court orders are typically issued by the Maryland state court system. A juvenile court order will be necessary before an SIJ petition will be approved. The juvenile court must also find that returning to their home country would not be in the child's best interests. Our attorneys can take steps to ensure that the correct procedures are followed in state courts and that court orders will meet the requirements for SIJS.

Benefits of SIJ Status

Obtaining SIJ status can provide legal protections and opportunities for minors, including:

• Protection From Deportation: Children who are granted SIJ status cannot be deported because they are undocumented.
• Eligibility for a Green Card: SIJ status allows a minor to apply to become a lawful permanent resident, giving them the right to remain in the U.S. indefinitely.
• Path to Citizenship: After becoming a permanent resident and meeting other requirements, a minor with SIJ status can apply for naturalization and become a United States citizen.
• Stability and Security: With a legal immigration status, a child can move forward into their adult life without fear of deportation. They will be able to pursue education and employment while maintaining family stability.

It is important to note that SIJ status does not allow minors to sponsor their parents for immigration benefits. Our lawyers can answer questions about the options available to minor immigrants and the steps that may eventually be taken to help them reunify with their parents or other family members.

Assistance With the SIJS Application Process

Securing SIJ status will involve both state court proceedings and petitions filed with federal agencies. Our attorneys can provide the legal help needed throughout this process. We can assist with:

• State Court Orders: We can provide representation for a minor in Maryland juvenile courts to obtain orders that will confirm their eligibility for SIJS.
• Filing the SIJ Petition: We will prepare and submit an application form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Communicating With Agencies: We can handle correspondence with USCIS, state courts, and any other agencies, working to address any issues that may arise and prevent delays or mistakes.

Other Immigration Issues We Can Help Minors Address

Securing SIJ status is often just the beginning of a child's immigration journey. Our lawyers can provide assistance with other related issues, including:

• Green Card Applications: After SIJ approval, we can help a minor complete the adjustment of status process so that they can become a lawful permanent resident.
• Work Authorization: Our lawyers can assist with obtaining employment authorization for minors who are eligible, ensuring that they will be able to work legally in the U.S.
• Citizenship: Once the child becomes a permanent resident, our attorneys can provide guidance on the requirements for naturalization, including residency periods, English language proficiency, and civics knowledge. We can also assist with naturalization applications and help complete the requirements to become a U.S. citizen.
• Family-Based Immigration: Our attorneys can help families explore the legal avenues that may be available to help children reunite with siblings or other family members.

Contact Our Germantown SIJ Status Lawyers

Whether you are a minor in need of protection or a guardian who is seeking help for a child who needs to secure a legal immigration status, the lawyers at Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC can guide you through the process of obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile status. Contact our Germantown, MD Special Immigrant Juvenile status attorneys at 571-441-2233 to arrange a consultation.