SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a federal law that assists certain undocumented children in obtaining lawful permanent residency. Applicants must have been declared dependent on a juvenile court, committed to the custody of a government agency or to court-appointed individuals. Applicant must also prove that their immigrant parents are unable to take care of them due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law. The applicant must also show that their return to their home country is not in their best interest.
PROS CONS

1. Receive lawful permanent residency (green card)

2. After 5 years, able to apply for citizenship

3. Cannot petition for any family member once a permanent resident OR citizen