Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status

SIJ is an immigration option for children (under 21) and young people in the U.S. who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents either back home or in the U.S. It provides a pathway to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card) and protection from deportation.

Often, the abuse, neglect, or abandonment a child experiences in their home country may be viewed differently under U.S. law. That's why it's important to consult with an immigration attorney to understand whether this process applies to you and if you may qualify for SIJ.