Silver Spring Special Immigrant Juvenile Attorney

Lawyer Helping Apply for SIJ Status in Silver Spring, MD

For immigrant children who have experienced abuse or been neglected or abandoned by their parents, the status of Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) can provide a critical path toward safety and stability in the United States. This legal designation allows eligible minors to avoid deportation to a home country where their welfare could be in jeopardy, and it will also allow them to take steps to become lawful permanent residents and receive Green Cards. However, the process of applying for SIJ status can be complicated, making it essential to have skilled legal guidance.

The attorney at Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC has extensive experience helping immigrants achieve Special Immigrant Juvenile status. We work with minors and their caregivers in Silver Springs to navigate these complex cases, obtain the necessary findings in state courts, and submit applications and supporting documents. Our lawyer will make sure these matters will be handled correctly, increasing the likelihood of approval and working to protect a child's future.

What Is SIJS?

The status of Special Immigrant Juvenile is meant to protect vulnerable children who may be at risk of harm due to neglect or abusive actions by parents. When a child has been removed from the custody of a parent, and courts have determined that reunification would not be appropriate due to the possibility of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment, the minor will be eligible to apply for SIJ status.

The protections provided to minors with this status include:

• Permission to continue living in the United States legally
• Eligibility to apply for lawful permanent residency
• Relief from deportation proceedings
• Protection against being returned to unsafe family situations in the child's home country.

The Process of Applying for SIJ Status

To receive Special Immigrant Juvenile status, a multi-step process must be followed. This process will involve both state family courts and federal immigration agencies. Steps in the process include:

1. Obtain a State Court Order: An order from a Maryland juvenile or family court stating that the minor cannot reunify with a parent due to potential safety issues will be necessary to qualify for SIJS. The order must state that removal to the country where the minor previously lived would not serve the child's best interests. The minor must be dependent on the court, in foster care, or under the custody of an appointed guardian.
2. File an Application for SIJS: The minor will file Form I-360 to request SIJ status. This application must include all appropriate supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility, including the state court order.
3. Adjustment of Status: Once SIJ status is approved, the minor may apply for a Green Card if they meet the eligibility requirements for lawful permanent residency.

How Our Attorney Can Assist With SIJS Applications

Navigating SIJ cases requires knowledge of both Maryland family law and U.S. immigration law. We can provide crucial assistance in these cases by:

• Preparing and Presenting the Family Court Petition: We will assist with the legal process in Maryland courts to obtain the proper court order.
• Gathering and Organizing Evidence: We will collect all required documentation that provides proof of the minor's situation, demonstrating that protections are necessary and showing that the minor meets the eligibility requirements for SIJ status.
• Filing a SIJS Petition: We will complete and submit the necessary applications along with all required supporting documentation.
• Representation in Immigration Proceedings: We will advocate on behalf of a minor in any interactions with immigration authorities.

Potential Challenges in SIJ Cases

Some issues that could affect the SIJ application process include:

• Age Limitations: SIJ status is only available to minors who have been placed under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court. If a child will reach the age of 21 during these proceedings, this could affect their SIJ application. Timing is critical in these cases, and we can help address these concerns.
• Parental Objections: In some cases, a parent may contest the family court findings, complicating the process. We can take steps to respond to these objections, working to ensure that the necessary court orders are issued.
• Immigration Status Complications: Violations of immigration laws or other inadmissibility issues may need to be resolved to allow for an adjustment of status. If necessary, we can assist with waivers of inadmissibility.
• Delays in Processing: Both family courts and USCIS may experience backlogs that could delay an SIJS application. We can help address these issues and work to ensure that an application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Contact Our Silver Spring, Maryland SIJS Lawyer

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our lawyer can provide guidance on when a minor may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile protections, and we can assist with the application process. Our goal is to help ensure that a child will have a safe and stable life in the U.S. Reach out to our Silver Spring SIJ attorney by calling 571-441-2233 and arranging a consultation.