Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Lawyer
When dealing with immigration, you need an experienced Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) lawyer, especially if you or a loved one is a juvenile. An SIJS lawyer in California, is a legal professional who helps children and young adults under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by either parent to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States.
As SIJS lawyers at Buenos Law, we work with our clients as they prepare their application for SIJS status and help them through the immigration process, which can be complex and stressful.
Who We Serve
LGBTQ+
Women
Children
People Seeking Asylum
Indigenous Peoples
Hispanic Immigrants
Brazilian Immigrants
Central American Immigrants
As California SIJS lawyers, we serve everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or country of origin. Most of our clients find they are represented in the above groups. If you feel you do not fit the the above groups, please still contact us as we believe all people deserve to live a life free of violence and prejudice.
What is SJIS
SIJS stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Any juvenile in the United States who has been the victim of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment can qualify for SIJS.
Minors under 21 in California who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment can get special immigration status and a green card. SIJS status enables them to remain in the country permanently with a family member or legal guardian.
Who Can Qualify for SIJS in California
The qualifications for SIJS in California include the following:
Unmarried and under 21 years of age.
Suffered abandonment, abuse, or neglect by either or both parents
A family court in the U.S. can determine that it’s not in your best interest to return to your country
As a result, we should not understate the significance of SIJS for juveniles in difficult or dangerous situations, like those neglected, abandoned, or abused. SIJS provides a safe and confidential channel for juveniles to make a better life.
The SJIS Process
Since it is complex, it can be challenging for kids and teenagers to navigate the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) application process.
The first step to an SIJS is obtaining a custody or guardianship order from a California familt judge. Then, we can file an SIJS petition with USCIS via form I-360. After the approval, the minor usually receives a work permit and a social security number. When the visa bulletin is current, the minor will be able to apply for a Green Card.
We gather information about the client’s past by collaborating with the client, their family, and relevant parties to present to the court.
Challenges LGBTQ+ Kids Seeking SIJS Face
When LGBTQ+ children seek SIJS, it is because they encounter various obstacles, including rejection by their families. They also endure additional challenges, mainly if they live in unsafe circumstances such as foster care, unprotected from abuse and neglect.
Case Study: Bueno Law’s Experience with SIJS Cases
At Bueno Law, we have successfully assisted juveniles with their SIJS applications in San Rafael & San Diego, CA. Here are some of the testimonials.
Fernanda Bueno helped my mother, and I obtain a green card in months,” B.D. says. “Fernanda always responded to all my emails and texts when I had minor concerns. She is fantastic, lovely, and quite professional.”
“I was quite scared and anxious to hunt for a lawyer in the United States,” L.F.M. said of her experience. “But Fernanda was gentle, always polite and professional. She updated me on everything, and my overall experience was positive.”
Let Us Help You
You don’t have to live in uncertainty when you can receive legal assistance from a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Lawyer. We can handle any challenging immigration matter, including SIJS cases and issues with juvenile citizenship to help you get a green card.
Contact Bueno Law today if you require legal assistance with your SIJS applications in San Rafael or San Diego, California. Let us take you step by step through the immigration application procedure.