Laurel, MD Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Lawyer

Attorney Helping Minors Receive Protections Through SIJS in Laurel, Maryland

There are a variety of issues that may place minors at risk when they are involved in immigration cases, and it may not be in a child's best interests to return to their home country. Children who have been affected by issues such as neglect or abuse may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, which can provide protection from deportation and allow them to stay in the United States. Applying for SIJ status involves a variety of complex procedures involving state courts and federal agencies, and legal guidance from an experienced attorney can be essential.

Special Immigrant Juvenile status can help protect children who cannot reunite with one or both of their parents due to mistreatment. Once granted SIJ status, the minor can apply for a Green Card and later for U.S. citizenship. The process involves multiple steps, and our Laurel immigration attorney can help guide minors through these procedures.

Legal Help With SIJ Status

Immigration laws are complex, and a case can become especially complicated when it intersects with state family court proceedings. Our attorney can represent a child's interests in both Maryland state courts and when addressing immigration issues at the federal level. He can help to avoid issues that could lead to the denial of an SIJS petition. By providing informed legal support, our lawyer can help ensure that a minor's future will not be negatively affected by mistreatment at the hands of a parent or instability in their family.

Legal Requirements in Special Immigrant Juvenile Cases

A child must meet certain requirements to receive SIJS. These include:

• The child must be younger than 21 at the time when they file a petition for SIJS.
• A juvenile court must issue an order including certain findings, including determining that the minor's reunification with a parent would not be beneficial because that parent has committed abuse or neglect or has abandoned the child.

The Role of Maryland State Courts in SIJ Cases

State-level courts play a central role in the first stage of an SIJ case. A Maryland court may issue the required findings based on the child's circumstances. To obtain the court orders that will be required in an SIJ petition, it may be necessary to file a guardianship petition, custody petition, or other child welfare-related action, depending on the specific facts of the case.

The court will make determinations about the child's care and whether they should be reunified with their parent or parents. The court will also assess whether returning the child to their original country would be contrary to their best interests. These findings are required by USCIS in order to consider a Special Immigrant Juvenile petition.

Because Maryland state courts operate separately from the immigration system, it is important to work with an attorney who is familiar with state court procedures and immigration law. The coordination between different legal systems is especially important, since it will be necessary to ensure that a juvenile court order contains all necessary language and findings required by federal immigration authorities.

Benefits of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

For minors who qualify, Special Immigrant Juvenile can provide important protections and immigration benefits, including:

• Protection From Deportation: Once SIJ status is granted, a child will no longer be at risk of being removed from the United States based on their undocumented status, inadmissibility issues, or other alleged violations of immigration laws.
• Path to U.S. Citizenship: After five years as a lawful permanent resident, an SIJ recipient may apply to become a U.S. citizen.
• Access to Certain Public Benefits and Educational Opportunities: Lawful permanent residency opens the door to federal student aid, in-state tuition, and other resources that can help a minor achieve success after they reach adulthood.
• Relief From Past Immigration Violations: Many of the reasons for inadmissibility that would otherwise prevent a person from obtaining a Green Card will not apply to SIJ-based applicants, or they may be waived.

Contact Our Laurel SIJ Status Attorney

Special Immigrant Juvenile status can provide security for children who have experienced difficult family circumstances. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our immigration attorney can take steps to obtain the necessary court findings and file an SIJ petition. We can guide a young person through each step of the process, helping them receive the protections they need while working to resolve any issues related to immigration that may arise. Reach out to our Laurel, MD SIJS lawyer at 571-441-2233 to schedule a consultation.