Under U.S immigration laws, children and young people who have been subjected to abuse, neglect, or abandonment may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a pathway to lawful permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States, regardless of how they came into the country. At Kratos Law Group, we are dedicated to helping vulnerable immigrant children secure legal protection and build a safe, stable future.
What is SIJS?
SIJS is a form of immigration relief available to minors who have been Abused, Neglected, or Abandoned. If granted, SIJS provides beneficiaries a pathway to a Green Card, allowing children to remain legally in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
Who Qualifies for SIJS?
To be eligible, you must: be under 21 years old at the time of filing; be unmarried; have an order of a state juvenile or family court (where you reside) determining that you cannot reunite with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment and that it is not in your best interest to return to your home country; and you must be in the United States at the time of application.
Our SIJS Legal Services
- Family or Juvenile Court Representation
Before applying for SIJS, you must obtain a predicate order from a family or juvenile court. Our firm and its vast network of attorneys across all 50 states can assist you with filing petitions for custody, guardianship, or dependency in your state; present evidence to demonstrate abuse, neglect, or abandonment; and secure court order for SIJS eligibility.
- SIJS Petition (Form I-360) Filing
Once the state court order is obtained, we will prepare and file your Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (Form I-360) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); assist you in gathering required the supporting evidence to strengthen your case; and monitor your case status and respond to any requests for additional information or evidence from USCIS.
- Green Card Application (Adjustment of Status – Form I-485)
After your SIJS petition has been approved, you may qualify for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. Our firm will assist you with preparing and filing your application for a green card (Form I-485). Obtaining work authorization while your application is pending. Preparing for and attending your USCIS interview (if required).
- Deportation Defense for SIJS Applicants
If you are in removal (deportation) proceedings, SIJS may serve as a defense against deportation. Our legal team will present your SIJS case before the Immigration Court; seek termination of removal proceedings once SIJS is approved; and explore additional forms of relief if necessary.
