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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Home / Practice Areas / Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Protection for Children and Youth

No child should have to choose between an unsafe home and an uncertain future. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) exists to protect children and youth who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents and cannot safely return to their home country. It offers a path to legal status, stability, and a future that belongs to them.

How It Works

An Important Note on Age: Many people assume SIJS is only for young children. In many states, including New Mexico, individuals up to age 21 may qualify. If you or someone you know is a young adult who experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment as a child, it is worth exploring whether this protection still applies. Time does matter here, and we encourage you to reach out as early as possible.

Talk through your situation
with an immigration attorney.

505.508.4015

Do Any of These Sound Familiar?

These are the most common situations we see when helping children and young adults through this process.

"I am a young person who came to the U.S. alone or was brought here as a child. I experienced abuse or neglect and I do not know what my options are."

You may be wondering →

Is there immigration protection specifically for young people in my situation?

Yes. SIJS was created specifically for children and young adults in your situation. If a court can make findings about what you experienced, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through this process. We explain every step clearly, work with family or juvenile courts on your behalf, and make sure you understand your rights and options throughout.

"I am a guardian, foster parent, or relative caring for a child who was abandoned or abused. I want to help them get legal status but I do not know where to start."

You may be wondering →

How can I help a child in my care pursue SIJS protection?

You can play an important role in this process. SIJS requires findings from a state family or juvenile court, and having a caring adult involved makes a significant difference. We work with you and the child together, explain what the court process involves, and guide both of you through each step so the child receives the protection they need.

"The child I am caring for was abandoned by one parent but not both. I was not sure if that was enough to qualify."

You may be wondering →

Does a child need to have been abandoned or abused by both parents to qualify?

No. SIJS can apply even when only one parent was abusive, neglectful, or absent. The findings only need to involve one parent in many cases. We review the child’s specific situation carefully and help you understand whether the circumstances meet the legal standard, without requiring the child to relive more than is necessary.

"I am 19 years old and I was told I might be too old to apply. But I experienced abuse as a child and I am still here without legal status."

You may be wondering →

Can older teenagers or young adults still qualify for SIJS?

In many states, including New Mexico, individuals up to age 21 may still qualify for SIJS. Age cutoffs depend on state law and the specific court involved. If you experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment as a child, it is worth finding out whether this window is still open for you. We review your situation honestly and let you know right away whether time is still on your side.

"I am worried that going through a court process will be scary or traumatic for the child. I want to protect them but I do not want to cause more harm."

You may be wondering →

How difficult or painful is the court process for the child?

This is one of the most thoughtful questions we hear, and it reflects exactly the kind of care these children deserve. The court process for SIJS is not a criminal proceeding. It is a civil finding made to protect the child, and it does not require the child to testify against a parent in a confrontational setting. We prepare families and children carefully, move at a pace that feels safe, and make sure the process causes as little additional stress as possible.

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Every child deserves safety, stability, and a future they can count on.

If you are caring for a young person who needs protection, we are here to help you find the path that gives them exactly that.
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40+ Years of Combined Experience Guiding Individuals and Families Through Immigration Challenges

Our team has spent decades helping individuals and families navigate difficult immigration challenges with a steady mix of legal skill, honesty, and compassion.

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FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY AND TAKE A STEP TOWARD A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR

Understanding your options can bring real change: better job opportunities, more security for your family, the ability to travel safely, and the confidence to plan your future without fear. If you’ve been unsure about where you stand, this is the place to begin.

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