Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Attorneys In Kansas City, Missouri

What is SIJS?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a type of immigration relief for children who cannot be reunited with one or both parents because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. SIJS provides protection to children who cannot return to their countries because of these hardships. Form I-360 is used to apply for SIJS.

People with approved I-360s can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship. However, they cannot apply for either parent to become a permanent resident in the future, even if only one of the parents was responsible for the abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Call Martinez Immigration Law LLC at 816-491-8105 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.

Case Types

Eligibility

1. Age: Applicants must be under 21 years old when filing the I-360.

2. Parental Situation: Applicants must have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
3. Court Order: A juvenile court in the U.S. must determine that the applicant cannot be reunified with one or both parents because of abuse, abandonment or neglect and that it is not in their best interest to return to their country. In Missouri and Kansas, a child must obtain this court order before turning 18.

Application Process

1. Obtain a Juvenile Court Order.

2. Submit Form I-360 to USCIS.

3. Apply for Adjustment of Status. After USCIS approves the I-360, the applicant may apply for permanent residency by submitting an Adjustment of Status application. However, the applicant must wait for a visa to be available before applying for permanent residency. This can take several years.

Deferred Action and SIJS

People with approved I-360s often wait several years to apply for permanent residency. For this reason, USCIS now grants people with approved I-360s “deferred action” while they wait to apply for permanent residency. Deferred action does not provide lawful status. However, it does provide temporary protection from deportation. People with deferred action can also apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

At Martinez Immigration Law LLC, we understand that navigating the complexities of immigration law can be overwhelming, especially for children and young adults. Children who come to the U.S. alone or who have been abandoned or abused by their caretakers face unique challenges. Our attorneys are experienced in working with children and preparing successful SIJS petitions and applications for permanent residency.

Call Martinez Immigration Law LLC at 816-491-8105 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.