Featured News 2015 Immigration Relief for Abused Children

Immigration Relief for Abused Children

It happens more than we might think, especially in border towns: Undocumented children are smuggled across the border by their parents or relatives, only to be abused, neglected, or abandoned by their own families. What happens to these children is beyond their control and they are at the mercy of the authorities.

Some undocumented immigrant children in the United States may be in need of humanitarian protection because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both of their parents. The good news is that there is hope for these children.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status is an immigration classification designed to allow these children to apply for lawful permanent resident status (LPR) or a green card.

If a child cannot be reunified with one or both of their parents because of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and if it is not in the child's best interests to return to their home country, then the child may apply for SIJ status.

If vulnerable children do not obtain a green card, then they cannot work in the U.S. legally, attend college, or qualify for federal benefits. Many of these children who entered the United States when they were young, are not aware that they do not have legal immigration status.

An SIJ child may:

  • Have been in federal custody because of undocumented status.
  • Currently be in the child welfare system.
  • Live with a non-abusive parent, a guardian, or with a foster family.
  • Have been a victim of child abuse while living in the U.S.
  • Have been a victim of child abuse while living in their home country.

Note: For immigration purposes, the biological or prior adoptive parents of a child with Special Immigrant Juvenile status are not entitled to immigration benefits through their SIJ child.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements for SIJ status, scroll through this directory to find an immigration attorney who can help you.

Related News:

US Soldier Deported From Canada After Fleeing Iraq War Posting

Kimberly Rivera sought protection in Canada when she realized that her position in the US military put her in danger of heading to Iraq. The 30-year-old Army private has already served in Iraq, where ...
Read More »

GOP Seeks Tighter Border Security for Immigration Reform Bill

The Republican Party, otherwise known as the "Grand Ole Party," is stating that the immigration reform bill will have a difficult time being passed in Congress unless the bill6s includes ...
Read More »

What is Secure Communities?

Secure Communities is a high government priority that concerns illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States. According to the ICE, the highest priority of any law enforcement agency is ...
Read More »