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When a child in New York faces abuse, neglect or abandonment by a parent, they may qualify for protection under Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This process helps vulnerable minors remain in the U.S. legally and build a secure future. Working with an experienced Special Immigrant Juvenile Lawyer in New York ensures your child’s case is handled with care and legal precision. From obtaining court findings to filing the SIJS petition, we guide families every step of the way. If your child needs protection and a path forward, Genova Law is here to help you through the legal journey with compassion and clarity.
For many immigrant children in New York, life hasn’t been easy. Some have faced abandonment and others have survived abuse or neglect. But there’s hope—Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) provides a way to build a safer future in the United States. Our law firm is here to make that path clearer and easier.
SIJS is a special immigration classification for minors under 21 who can’t live with one or both parents because of harm like abuse or neglect. The process begins in New York’s Family Court and if approved, leads to lawful permanent residency. With the right legal help, a child can gain protection and opportunity through this program.
This status not only shields the child from deportation but also opens the door to a stable future in the U.S., including the ability to work legally, pursue education and eventually apply for citizenship. It’s a critical step toward rebuilding a safe and independent life.
To qualify for SIJS, a child must meet these criteria:
Navigating immigration law and the Family Court system is complex. Without the right help, families risk missing deadlines or filing incorrectly. That’s why having an Immigration Lawyer for Abused Children is so important. Our attorney understands both systems and fights to protect your child’s future.
We provide guidance through every stage from gathering the right documents to securing a Family Court order and submitting the SIJS petition to USCIS. Legal mistakes can delay or even derail a case. With our experience and dedication, we help ensure no detail is overlooked, giving your child the best possible chance at a stable, lawful future.
Once approved, children with SIJS can:
It’s more than legal status. It’s security, stability, and a future filled with hope.
If your child is in foster care, they may be eligible for SIJS. The NYC Administration for Children’s Services and foster agencies work closely with legal providers to ensure children get the support they need. We work with these organizations to make sure no child falls through the cracks.
Step 1: Family Court Findings
We help file a petition in the Family or Surrogate’s Court for custody, guardianship or dependency. The court must find that reunification is not possible due to abuse or neglect and that it’s not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country.
Step 2: SIJS Petition with USCIS
Once the court order is issued, we help prepare and file Form I-360 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). From there, the child may apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Tip: Don’t wait. Children must apply for SIJ Petition Assistance NYC before turning 21. Filing early helps avoid “aging out.”
An SIJ lawyer guides you through the Family Court and immigration process, helping you file the right forms, obtain court orders and represent your child’s best interest at every stage.
Yes. Children in the foster system are often eligible for SIJS. Foster agencies can help connect them with legal services to begin the process.
The petition must be filed before the child turns 21. If they are close to aging out, legal help is urgent to secure eligibility.
Yes. After receiving a Green Card through SIJS, the child can later apply for naturalization, depending on how long they’ve held permanent residency.
Even if your child entered the U.S. without legal documents, they may still qualify for SIJS. It’s one of the few ways undocumented children can get legal protection and a chance to stay in the U.S. safely.
(914) 481-8822
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(914) 481-8822