Rockville, MD Special Immigrant Juvenile Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in Rockville, Maryland

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be difficult in any situation, but young people who are forced to deal with these issues without the support of one or both parents are likely to face serious challenges. In many cases, children may have arrived in the country under difficult or dangerous circumstances, and they will be seeking both safety and stability. Some minors may be eligible for protection through Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status.

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we work with minors and their guardians to address immigration concerns and determine the best options for avoiding deportation and maintaining stability. With our understanding of the state and federal laws that may affect these cases, we can help children take the right steps to receive legal protections and make a successful transition to adulthood in the United States.

The Benefits of Working With an Attorney in Special Immigrant Juvenile Cases

To obtain SIJ status, a person must navigate multiple legal systems, including state family courts and federal immigration procedures. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we can provide guidance through every stage of the SIJ process, including securing the necessary juvenile court findings and submitting strong petitions and responding to requests from immigration officials. We will prepare filings that demonstrate the child's eligibility for SIJ status, and we can make sure the minor or their guardian are fully prepared for interviews, hearings, and documentation requests.

Immigration Challenges Faced by Unaccompanied or Vulnerable Minors

Children who immigrate to the United States may experience significant difficulties when they are separated from their parents or guardians. They may arrive unaccompanied, be placed in foster care, or live with relatives after fleeing unsafe home environments. In many cases, these children suffer trauma or violence.

Without parental support, minors may struggle to receive the proper education, and they may struggle with living in unstable situations. The threat of deportation can be serious, especially when children lack documentation or have missed key immigration deadlines. Language barriers, emotional trauma, and legal concerns will only add to these difficulties.

Special Immigrant Juvenile status may offer a solution for certain children who meet the relevant criteria. In general, if a child has been separated from one or both of their parents, they may be eligible, although additional steps will need to be taken to demonstrate that there is a legal basis for this separation. The process begins in state family courts or juvenile courts.

Legal Protections Available Through SIJ Status

Special Immigrant Juvenile status allows a qualifying minor to remain in the United States without fear of deportation and become a lawful permanent resident. The process begins with a finding from a state juvenile court that:

• The child is under the jurisdiction of the court due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect committed by at least one parent.
• The child would not benefit from reunification with the parent or parents.
• It is not in the best interest of the child to be returned to the country where they resided before coming to the U.S.

After the court order is obtained, the child may apply for SIJ classification through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, the child will become eligible to apply for a Green Card.

Criteria for Obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

A minor will need to meet the following criteria before they can be recognized as a Special Immigrant Juvenile:

• Under 21 Years Old: An SIJ petition must be filed before a person reaches the age of 21.
• Unmarried: A minor cannot be married when applying for SIJ status. If they had been married in the past, they will need to show that their marriage had been terminated through divorce, that they received an annulment, or that the other spouse has died.
• State Court Order: A juvenile court or family court must state that the minor is dependent on the court and has been removed from the custody of one or both parents. This order must include the findings detailed above.

The law requires that the child be physically present in the United States when they apply for SIJ status. If there are any grounds for inadmissibility that could affect an application, waivers may be available based on case-specific factors.

Contact Our Rockville Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Lawyers

When minors have suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of a parent or have been abandoned by at least one of their parents, Special Immigrant Juvenile status can serve as a vital form of protection and a way to avoid uncertainty about their future in the United States. To learn about your options for immigration relief as a minor or to begin the process of applying for SIJ status, contact Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC today by calling 571-441-2233.