Helping Vulnerable Children Find Safety and Legal Protection

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (Sij): Protecting Immigrant Children From Abuse, Neglect, Or Abandonment

Immigrant children who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected by one or both parents may be eligible for a unique immigration benefit known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ). This humanitarian relief provides a path to lawful permanent residency—and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.

At Reana Garcia Law Group, we proudly advocate for vulnerable youth in New Jersey, guiding them through the SIJ process with care, compassion, and legal precision. We coordinate both the family court and immigration aspects to give the children the protection and stability they need.

What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ) is a federal immigration classification available to non-citizen minors in the U.S. who cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law.

Once granted SIJ status, the child becomes eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence).

Who Qualifies For Sij Status?

To be eligible for SIJ, the applicant must:

• Be under 21 years old at the time of filing the SIJ petition
• Be unmarried
  
• Be declared dependent on a juvenile court, or be placed in custody of an individual or agency
• Have a juvenile court order finding that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
• Show that returning to the child’s home country is not in their best interest
  

SIJ is available regardless of how the child entered the U.S., including those who entered without inspection.

Benefits Of Sij Status

• Protection from deportation
  
• Work authorization (after green card application)
• Path to lawful permanent residency
  
• Waiver of many inadmissibility grounds
  
• No need for a family sponsor

SIJ applicants are exempt from many grounds of inadmissibility that would typically block green card eligibility, making it a powerful form of relief for children in vulnerable situations.

The Sij Application Process

1. Family Court Petition
   We file for a guardianship, custody, or dependency order in New Jersey family court and request a special findings order stating the child meets SIJ criteria.
2. SIJ Petition with USCIS (Form I-360)
   After the court order is granted, we submit Form I-360 with supporting documentation to USCIS.
3. Green Card Application (Form I-485)
   Once SIJ is approved and a visa is available, we assist with applying for lawful permanent residence.

We coordinate all phases—from the courtroom to the USCIS office—with sensitivity and skill.

How Reana Garcia Law Group Can Help

• Dual Representation in Family & Immigration Courts
  We manage both court systems to create a seamless, coordinated strategy for each child.
• Compassionate Approach to Sensitive Situations
  We understand that these cases often involve trauma and instability. We treat every child with dignity and care.
• Experience Working with Guardians, Foster Families & Advocates
  We regularly collaborate with caseworkers, schools, and caregivers to provide strong support for the child.
• Bilingual Services for Spanish-Speaking Families
  We provide clear and respectful communication for families from diverse backgrounds.

Who Should Seek Sij Status?

You may want to speak to an attorney about SIJ if:

• A child is in foster care, kinship care, or the custody of a guardian
• A juvenile has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents
• A family court judge has ruled that reunification is not possible with one or both parents
• A minor is facing immigration court removal proceedings and may need relief
• The child is undocumented and needs a safe, lawful path to stability

We also help minors already in deportation proceedings or previously denied immigration benefits.

Why Choose Reana Garcia Law Group?

• Dedicated to Protecting Immigrant Children
  We believe every child deserves safety and opportunity, and we fight hard to make that possible.
• Experienced with Complex Family Circumstances
  We know how to handle fractured families, difficult parental histories, and sensitive legal issues.
• Responsive, Multilingual Support
  We offer Spanish-language services and compassionate communication throughout your case.
• Trusted by New Jersey Families & Advocates
  Our firm has become a reliable partner for families, foster care providers, and social service organizations across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the child have to be in foster care to qualify for SIJ?
No. SIJ can be granted based on any court order showing dependency or custody, including guardianship with relatives or family friends.

Can a parent sponsor a child after SIJ is granted?
No. Once SIJ is approved, the child may not sponsor or be sponsored by a parent—even the non-abusive one—for immigration purposes.

How long does the SIJ process take?
Processing times vary. SIJ petitions may take 6–12 months, and green card processing depends on visa availability in the applicant’s country.

Related Services

• Green Card Applications for SIJ Recipients
• Immigration Court Representation for Minors
• Waivers of Inadmissibility
• Asylum & Humanitarian Relief for Youth
• Immigration Options for Undocumented Children

Protect A Child’S Future—Act Today

If you know a child in New Jersey who may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, don’t wait. This unique legal pathway can provide safety, stability, and a path to permanent residency.

📞 Call Reana Garcia Law Group at (201) 983-4012(201) 983-4012 today
📍22 Chestnut St, Rutherford, NJ 07070
We’re here to protect what matters most—your child’s future.