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.

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Erik Ujvari profile picture
Erik Ujvari
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My wife and I owe a debt of gratitude to Michelle Dinits, that goes far beyond a professional recommendation. She made the process very straightforward, we felt comfortable the entire time. She went above and beyond.
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Keila Copetti profile picture
Keila Copetti
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I cannot find enough words to express my gratitude for Michelle Dinits. Michelle did not just see me as a case number but a person who she truly supported and kept calm throughout the entire process. She made an incredibly complex process feel manageable and with her help, I was granted my green card . I would highly recommend Michelle, she will give excellent legal expertise and the compassion you deserve.
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Yvonne Ujvari profile picture
Yvonne Ujvari
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As a mother, there is nothing harder than watching your child and their partner go through a period of intense stress and uncertainty. When my son and his wife decided to settle here on Long Island, we were all so happy, but the immigration process felt like a mountain standing in the way of their future. My daughter-in-law was understandably terrified of the F1 visa transition, and my son was just as anxious, knowing how much they both had to lose. Finding Michelle Dinits was the greatest blessing our family could have asked for. From our very first interaction, it was clear that Michelle didn't just see them as clients—she cared for them like family. She truly took my daughter-in-law under her wing, calming her fears with patience and expert guidance. She transformed a process that felt frightening and overwhelming into a clear manageable path. Watching the weight lift off their shoulders after each interaction with Michelle was heartwarming. From residency to the Green Card, Michelle brought our entire family such peace of mind. She is more than just a brilliant attorney; she is a compassionate advocate who understands the heart behind the paperwork. We are eternally grateful to her for keeping our family together.
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Dan Ujvari profile picture
Dan Ujvari
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There are not enough stars here for Dinits Law. As an engineer, I tend to overanalyze every detail. I interviewed at least five different immigration attorneys before finding Michelle. While others simply listed forms and fees, Michelle was the only one who articulated the entire process with absolute clarity and mastery. I was truly impressed and asked her to represent us on the spot. Our family’s journey involved my daughter-in-law who came to the USA as an F1 visa student. My son and her fell in love and after about two years, married here on Long Island. It was a high-stakes process for them. They both found 'their person' and were terrified of a single mistake jeopardizing their future together. Michelle did far more than provide legal counsel. She took my daughter-in-law under her wing. Through conference calls and meticulous preparation, she turned a frightening legal hurdle into a manageable, step-by-step path. Michele “held their hands” from the initial residency request through the Green Card approval, and we are now awaiting the time when she can take her citizenship interview. We are thrilled! The level of care, patience, and genuine humanity Michelle brought to my son and daughter-in-law’s case is something money cannot buy. We owe her a profound everlasting debt of gratitude for protecting our family’s future. If you want an attorney who combines elite legal expertise with true compassion, look no further than Dinits Law.
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Charisse Linn Cabahug
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I had a great experience working with Michelle as my immigration lawyer, especially when responding to my RFE (Request for Evidence). She was very knowledgeable, thorough, and attentive to every detail. Michelle clearly explained what documents were needed and guided me step by step through the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. I highly recommend Michelle to anyone needing assistance with immigration matters.
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Beverly Breier profile picture
Beverly Breier
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It was a pleasure working with Michelle. The process was simple and easy with her and the green card was received in record time. Highly recommend
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M. Farkas profile picture
M. Farkas
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Michelle was incredibly professional, responsive, and efficient. She guided us smoothly through the entire green card process and we received approval much faster than expected. Thank you for the outstanding service—highly recommend!
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Mahnoor Sajid profile picture
Mahnoor Sajid
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Michelle Dinits was very helpful in guiding me. Her experience was evident, and I appreciated her insights.
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Eitan Zycer profile picture
Eitan Zycer
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Michelle is a great lawyer, I really recomend her. She was very efficient, and because of her the process was smooth and fast. Thanks Michelle!!
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Roberto Schapiro profile picture
Roberto Schapiro
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Michelle is a Godsend! After my visa application failed with other lawyers, I was completely stressed and ready to give up. Then I found Michelle—a true blessing. The green card process is notoriously difficult and high-stakes, but Michelle's expertise and support gave me back my confidence. She is profoundly knowledgeable and a true professional. She didn't just "take my file"—she took me through the entire journey. What should have been agonizing was instead seamless, pleasant, and totally stress-free. Michelle was there every single step of the way, highly responsive, and incredibly detail-oriented. I got my green card in a short time with absolutely zero hiccups! The process was painless because she made it her priority. Michelle is the best decision you will ever make.

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.