Application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status SIJS

1
Application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
(SIJS)

• Christina Wilkes
• Ayuda, Inc.

2
The Process

• Consent Only if child is in actual or
  constructive custody of ORR.
• Obtain SIJS order from State Juvenile Court.
• Apply to Immigration for SIJS.

3
Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

• District of Columbia
• Family Court of the D.C. Superior Court
• Abuse Neglect / Delinquency Proceedings
  Juvenile Neglect Branch
• Custody Proceedings Domestic Relations Branch

4
Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

• Maryland
• Circuit Court, Family Division or Family Services
  Program (depending on County)
• Abuse Neglect Proceedings
• Custody Proceedings
• Delinquency Proceedings

5
Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

• Virginia
• Juvenile Domestic Relations (JDR) District
  Court
• Abuse Neglect Proceedings
• Custody Proceedings
• Delinquency Proceedings

6
Example D.C. Custody Case

• D.C. Code 16-4604 et. seq.
• File
• Pleading/Complaint for Custody Summons
• Petition Proposed Order for SIJS
• At Family Court Central Intake Center (CIC),
  D.C. Superior Court, John Marshall Level, East
  Wing, JM 520

7
SIJS Order

• Must make findings re each eligibility
  requirement
• The child is unmarried and under the age of 21.
• The Court has jurisdiction under state law to
  make determinations about the care custody of
  children.
• The child is dependent on the Juvenile Court.
• The child is eligible for long-term foster care
  due to abuse, abandonment or neglect.
• It is not in the childs best interests to return
  to his/her country.

8
Applying to Immigration

• Prepare Form I-360, Petition for Special
  Immigrant Juvenile Status and submit to USCIS,
  together with SIJS Order, birth certificate, and
  required fees/fee waiver.
• If child not in Removal Proceedings, concurrently
  file Form I-485 Application to Adjust Status and
  Form I-765 Application for Employment
  Authorization, if desired.
• If child in Removal Proceedings, once I-360
  approved, file Form I-485 w/ Immigration Court.