Special Immigrant Juvenile Status by Thomas Esparza Jr

SECTIION 7: ::

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

In order to help certain undocumented children present in the United States obtain lawful immigration status, federal law established provisions for “Special Immigrant Juvenile” (SIJ) status. While life in the United States can be very difficult for anyone without lawful immigration status, unaccompanied juveniles are especially vulnerable. Many have been orphaned, abandoned, or suffered domestic abuse and receive no assistance in their country of origin. They may not have had access to a formal education. Many have been the targets of gang violence or exploitation by organized crime. Some of these children find their way to the United States and are apprehended by immigration or law enforcement officials and placed in removal proceedings. The SIJ provisions permit undocumented children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents and come under the jurisdiction of a U.S. juvenile court to become lawful permanent residents.

Questions and Answers by Thomas Esparza Jr.

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