For children and teens in the U.S. who cannot safely return to their home country
Find Safety and a Path to Stability With Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
- Legal protection and permanent residence eligibility for vulnerable minors
- Trauma-informed representation focused on dignity, care, and protection
- Legal support for youth and families across New York and beyond
Every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to build a future in peace.
When Returning Home Isn’t Safe, SIJS Can Protect You
Children and teens who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected by one or both parents often face danger or hardship if forced to return to their country of origin.
The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) program allows these young people to stay lawfully in the U.S., eventually apply for a green card, and build a secure future.
At Dinits Immigration Law, we help young immigrants obtain the court findings and immigration approvals needed to qualify for SIJS.
Our trauma-informed team works closely with families, guardians, and child advocates to ensure that every step is handled with care, privacy, and compassion.
Call 516-208-2060 to speak with a trusted advocate for youth immigration protection.
What Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Does
- Protection From Deportation: Once approved, SIJS applicants are protected from removal and may apply for permanent residence.
- Path to a Green Card: SIJS leads to eligibility for lawful permanent residency.
- Work Authorization: Many SIJS recipients qualify for employment authorization while awaiting their green card.
- Family-Based Safety: Allows children to live with trusted guardians or foster families while they build their future.
- Compassionate Legal Relief: Designed specifically to protect vulnerable immigrant youth from further harm.
Call 516-208-2060 to confirm your child’s eligibility.
Who Qualifies for SIJS
You may qualify if you:
- Are under 21 years old and unmarried.
- Are living in the U.S. at the time of application.
- Have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
- Have a juvenile or family court order stating:
- Reunification with one or both parents is not possible due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- It is not in your best interest to return to your home country.
- Are eligible for dependency, custody, or guardianship under state law.
Dinits Immigration Law assists with every step — from obtaining necessary family court findings to filing the federal SIJS petition with USCIS.
Call 516-208-2060 to begin confidentially.
Why Choose Dinits Immigration Law for SIJS Filings
1. Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Advocacy
We understand how sensitive these cases are. We handle each with patience, care, and confidentiality.
2. Coordination With Family and Juvenile Courts
We work directly with state courts to obtain the findings required for SIJS eligibility.
3. Experience Navigating Delays and Visa Backlogs
We guide families through the current SIJS backlog for certain countries, ensuring that young clients remain protected during the wait.
4. Experienced Culturally Relevant Legal Representation
We assist clients and families around the country, ensuring communication is clear and comforting.
5. Lifelong Impact
We help immigrant youth secure permanent legal status — transforming fear into stability and opportunity.
Call 516-208-2060 to speak with an experienced SIJS attorney.
The SIJS Process
Step 1: Family or Juvenile Court Order
We help obtain a qualifying state court order confirming abuse, neglect, or abandonment and the child’s best interests.
Step 2: USCIS Petition (Form I-360)
We prepare and file the federal petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
Step 3: Work Authorization (if eligible)
We help apply for employment authorization where applicable.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status (Green Card)
Once visa numbers are available, we file for permanent residence.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
We continue to represent you until your case is approved and you achieve full legal status.
Our approach ensures every young person’s case is handled with the care it deserves — privately, safely, and respectfully.
Call 516-208-2060 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIJS
Does SIJS apply to children who entered the U.S. without papers?
Yes. Many SIJS recipients entered the U.S. without lawful status. The program is designed to protect vulnerable youth, regardless of how they arrived.
Call 516-208-2060 to learn about current processing times.
Can a child apply for SIJS if only one parent was abusive or absent?
Yes. SIJS can be granted even if reunification with one parent is possible, as long as it is not viable with the other due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Call 516-208-2060 to learn about current processing times.
Can the parents gain immigration benefits through SIJS?
No. SIJS protects the child only; parents who were abusive or neglectful do not gain any immigration advantage.
Call 516-208-2060 to learn about current processing times.
What happens if the child turns 21 before approval?
If the SIJS petition is properly filed before the child’s 21st birthday and while unmarried, age-out protection applies. The case remains valid.
Call 516-208-2060 to learn about current processing times.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary. SIJS petitions are typically decided within 6–12 months, though visa backlogs for certain countries can delay green-card processing. During the wait, USCIS recognizes SIJS-approved youth as protected from removal.
Call 516-208-2060 to learn about current processing times.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable, One Case at a Time
Every young person deserves the chance to feel safe, belong, and plan for the future. At Dinits Immigration Law, we stand beside immigrant children and teens to ensure that protection, opportunity, and stability are within reach.
Call 516-208-2060 today to start your SIJS process confidentially.