In the event an immigrant minor has to leave their parents for reasons of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, they can get the state involved to make arrangements for safer living conditions. After a report is made about one of these occurrences, an immigrant minor can be placed under state care as the court issues an order classifying them as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. This classification means that they are able to receive certain protections under state law. A petition for this classification must be submitted on behalf of the minor. An immigration attorney Maryland can help in this instance by providing the legal guidance necessary to proceed. The Thompson Legal Group specializes in this area of law and can help initiate this process.
Once a minor is granted the status of Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ), this allows the state to get involved and to make decisions on their behalf that is in their best interest. This includes placing them in homes that are safe environments away from the treatment they previously experienced. In order to qualify, this person must:
•Be under 21 years of age
•Be currently residing in the United States
•Be unmarried
•Have a court order from the juvenile court that states they are under state custody due to being removed from their parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It must also state that they are unable to return to their home country
•Be able to confirm the details of the court order
•Have written consent from the Department of Health & Human Services or the Office of Refugee Resettlement if they are under their care and the court order changes their placement.
This classification also allows a minor to obtain lawful permanent resident status, as long as they meet certain criteria.
When an SIJ seeks to apply for a green card based on their status, it is best to work with one of our immigration attorneys in Maryland for this next step. Our team is ready to assist you with your Immigrant Juvenile Status Case.