Special Immigrant Juvenile Lawyer in California | Sadri Law, PC

At Sadri Law, PC, we are committed to protecting vulnerable immigrant youth across California, San Jose by helping them secure Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This humanitarian pathway supports undocumented children under 21 who have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, offering them a chance to obtain a SIJS green card for lawful permanent residency.

Our experienced special immigrant juvenile lawyer, Elham Sadri, provides compassionate, expert guidance to navigate the complex SIJS immigration process, ensuring a brighter future for these children.

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a federal immigration classification designed to protect undocumented children who cannot safely reunite with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Unlike a special immigrant juvenile visa, SIJS is not a visa but a stepping stone to applying for lawful permanent residency (a green card).
Once granted, SIJS allows eligible youth to live and work legally in the U.S., access federal benefits, and gain protection from deportation.

Who Qualifies for SIJS?

To be eligible for SIJS, a child must meet specific criteria:

• Age: Under 21 years old at the time of filing.

• Marital Status: Unmarried.

• Location: Physically present in the United States.

• Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment: Experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents.

• State Court Order: A California superior court must issue a Special Immigrant Juvenile(SIJ) order stating:

  • The child is dependent on the court or under the custody of a guardian or agency.

  • Reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar reasons under state law.

  • It is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country.

Our special immigrant juvenile attorney assess eligibility and guide families through the legal requirements.

The Role of Guardianship in SIJS

Guardianship is often a critical step in SIJS cases. A California superior court must issue an SIJ order that places the child under the custody of a guardian or agency, confirming their dependency and the inability to reunite with parents. This order is essential for the USCIS petition. Sadri Law, PC assists with:

• Filing guardianship petitions in family or juvenile court.

• Securing the SIJ predicate order.

• Ensuring all court findings align with SIJS immigration requirements.

How the Process Works

The SIJS process involves three main steps:

Step 1: Obtain a State Court SIJ Order

A California superior court must issue an order finding:

• The child is dependent on the court or under a guardian’s custody.

• Reunification with one or both parents is not possible due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

• Returning to the home country is not in the child’s best interest.

Step 2: File the SIJS Petition with USCIS

Using the SIJ order, we file Form I-360 with USCIS to request SIJS classification, including supporting documents like court orders and evidence of abuse.

Step 3: Apply for a SIJS Green Card

Upon SIJS approval, the child can file Form I-485 to apply for a SIJS green card, granting lawful permanent residency.

Processing Time: The process typically takes 6-12 months for the court order, plus additional time for USCIS review, which can vary based on case complexity and workload.

Benefits of SIJS

A SIJS green card offers significant advantages:

• Permanent Residency: Live and work legally in the U.S.

• Deportation Protection: Shields the child from removal proceedings.

• Work Authorization: Apply for employment authorization during or after the process.

• Access to Benefits: Qualify for federal education and healthcare programs.

SIJS vs. Other Immigration Options

VAWA and U Visas both support victims, but they differ significantly. VAWA is for those abused by family members, leading to a green card, while U Visas are for victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement, offering temporary status.

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Why Choose Sadri Law, PC?

Sadri Law, PC, based in San Jose, offers unparalleled expertise in SIJS immigration for clients across California, Our special juvenile immigrant attorney provides:

• Compassionate Advocacy: We handle sensitive cases with care, prioritizing the child’s well-being.

• Dual Expertise: Proficiency in immigration law and California family court procedures.

• Virtual Consultations: Accessible support for California clients without travel.

• Proven Success: A track record of securing SIJ orders and green cards.