Immigration > Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Topic: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Materials for those under the special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS).

[pdf] Velasquez v. Miranda Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (February 1 2024) (+)

Velasquez v. Miranda Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (February 1 2024). NIWAP, represented by K & L Gates, filed an amicus brief on appeal from the judgement of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania dated June 20, 2023. The amicus brief argues that any confusion regarding the role of Pennsylvania courts in the process of obtaining SIJ […]

Published April 25, 2024 by

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[pdf] Settled Law: The Role of State Court Judges in Making Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Judicial Determinations (April 1, 2024) (+)

This article surveyed all of the publicly available SIJS cases issued through the date of this article’s publication. Ultimately, this survey demonstrates that the majority of state courts are issuing decisions that have become settled law and that these courts’ decisions are consistent with federal SIJS statutes, the March 2022 USCIS regulations, and USCIS policies and publications on SIJS laws and the SIJS program. Although Congress substantially amended the SIJS statute in 2008 to expand the number of immigrant children eligible for SIJS, this article demonstrates that during the decade and a half after the law passed and before USCIS issued final regulations in 2022, many state courts struggled to issue rulings in SIJS cases that were consistent with the federal SIJS statues and USCIS policies. Despite this fact, as this article documents, many courts did issue rulings that correctly interpreted and applied federal SIJS laws and issued SIJS judicial determinations that immigrant children who had suffered parental maltreatment could use to file their SIJS petitions with USCIS.

Published April 1, 2024 by ,

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[vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet] Special Immigrant Juvenile Status – Case Law Chart (April 1, 2024) (+)

This Appendix “X” provides a case law chart for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status state court cases from across the country including reported and unreported cases through December 2020. This appendix is in locked excel format allowing users to sort by any of the chart columns. It includes an All States tab and additional tabs that report on case law by state for each of the states in which reported or unreported cases could be identified. As new cases are published please forward them to NIWAP by emailing info@NIWAP.org with the message title “NEW SIJS CASE” to help us identify new cases to add to the chart more swiftly.

This publication was developed under grant number SJI-20-E-005 from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State Justice Institute.

Published March 31, 2024 by

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[pdf] Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Findings Pertaining to State Court Judges (Dec. 7, 2023) (+)

A bench card on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) findings pertaining to state court judges. Written by Meagan Fitzpatrick, Leslye Orloff, and Honorable Joseph L. Fernandes (Philadelphia, PA) for the administrative office of the Pennsylvania Courts. This bench card has been updated to reflect clarifications included in the March 2022 final SIJS regulations and the 2023 Policy Manual Chapter issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Published 12/7/23 by

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[pdf] Training Materials for Victim Advocates and Attorneys (11.28.23) (+)

Training materials for family lawyers, prosecutors, and state family, civil and criminal court judges assisting immigrant crime victims Topics include: U visas, T visas, Family Law cases, VAWA Self-Petitions, VAWA Confidentiality, Public Benefits, Best Practices, Language Access, Webinars, Podcasts and more.

Published November 28 2023 by ,

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[pdf] How Immigration Law and Policies Impact State Courts — When Children and Litigants are Victims of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, or Sexual Assault (NCJFCJ, In-Session -Fall 2023) (+)

This In-Session article discusses immigration policy updates that have occurred in 2021 – 2023 and the impact that what these policies mean for state courts adjudicating a range of family court cases involving immigrant children, immigrant crime victims, and child victims living in mixed immigration status families.

Published Fall 2023 by ,

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[pdf] Rivas et al., Amicus Supreme Court of California (March 21 2022) (+)

“Guardianship of S.H.R. v. Jesus Rivas” (Supreme Court of California). NIWAP filed an amicus brief in the
Supreme Court of California in a case in which the Court of Appeals wrongly denied an SIJS eligible child SIJS
predicate findings. The amicus brief developed by Manatt, Phelps and Phillips for NIWAP detailed the legislative
and regulatory history of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and discussed how the approach taken by the Court of
Appeals directly contradicts this legislative and regulatory history and the 2022 SIJS regulations issued by DHS.
The brief discussed how the courts below incorrectly applies laws of a foreign country when application of
California law is required by SIJS regulations, statutes and policies. The brief also discusses how it is
impermissible for court to fail to issue SIJS findings when there is uncontroverted credible evidence to support the
findings. The California Supreme Court in a unanimous decision with one concurrence adopted the approach
advocates by NIWAP’s amicus brief and the 2022 SIJS regulations relied up in the brief. (March 21, 2022; August
15, 2022)

Published September 18, 2023

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[pdf] Access to Publicly Funded Legal Services for Immigrant Survivors (2014) (+)

In 2014, the Legal Service Corporation (LSC) issued regulations confirming that all immigrant crime victims are legally eligible for LSC funded legal services under anti-abuse regulations. This brochure discusses immigration status based eligibility as well as eligibility under anti-abuse laws. It provides advocates with a guide to immigrant crime victim access to LSC funded legal services, including an illustration on how VAWA, U-visa, and trafficking victims become eligible for LSC representation.

Published October 1, 2014 by

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[pdf] Answers to Questions from State Court Judges on the 2022 Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Regulations (April 4, 2023) (+)

This document addresses the most frequently asked questions that come up during judicial trainings for state court judges on SIJS findings of fact and conclusions of law needed by immigrant children filing Special Immigrant Juvenile State petitions. It address best practices for drafting state court orders and is up to date through April 2023 and covers the 2022 SIJS regulations as well as information contained in the SIJS policy manual issued by USCIS.

Published April 4, 2023 by

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[pdf] Setting Up the Crime and Abuse Victim Protection Directorate at USCIS (August 23, 2022) (+)

This report submitted to the Ombudsman for USCIS argues for moving all of the adjudications of VAWA self-petitions, U and T visas, Battered Spouse Waivers, Work Authorizations for Abused Spouses of Visa Holders and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Petitions into one adjudication system with expert adjudication staff and managers that specialize in these forms of immigration relief. The goal of which will be to speed up the wait time between filing and receipt of deferred action and work authorization for immigrant victims. This paper contributed to the creation of the HART Service Center that USCIS announced the opening of on March 30, 2023. To receive any of the attachments cited in this report contact NIWAP at info@niwap.org.

Published August 23, 2022 by

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[pdf] In Re Guardianship of Saul H. NIWAP Amicus Brief to California Supreme Court (March 21, 2022) (+)

This document provides the amicus brief filed by NIWAP on March 21, 2022 to the California Supreme Court in support of the petitioner in In re Guardianship of Saul H. This case originated when a state probate trial court that refused to issue a predicate order to an immigrant child who suffered abuse and neglect perpetrated by his parents. Despite the uncontroverted evidence about the abuse and neglect by Saul’s parents, the probate court denied his request of SIJS findings. Saul appealed and the Court of Appeals affirmed, and ultimately the California Supreme Court reversed, with all justices concurring. In In re Guardianship of Saul H., the California Supreme Court provides very helpful clarification and direction that will assist trial courts and appellate courts in California and nationally for state courts carrying out their Congressionally assigned role issuing predicate orders that are a required of immigrant children filing SIJS applications. This amicus brief can also be a useful training tool.

Published March 21, 2022 by

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[pdf] REPORT – PROMOTING ENHANCED ACCESS TO SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS (SIJS): Addressing Abuse by “One Or Both” Parents And Recognizing the Range of Court Proceedings In Which SIJS Orders Can Be Issued (October 10, 2013) (+)

This report has been developed to highlight issues that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should consider as it issues regulations governing implementation of recent legislative improvements to the protections available under immigration law offering Special Immigrant Juvenile Status to abused, abandoned and neglected children. Our work is focused on four key areas, all of which are vital to alleviating poverty and improving the health and safety of immigrant women: immigration policies; economic empowerment; justice system relief for immigrant women; and rights and protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The ultimate agenda is to provide training, technical assistance, advocacy, research, materials and up to date information on government policies and best practices so that advocates, lawyers, police, prosecutors, judges and other professionals have the tools they need to help immigrant women, children and crime victims access the services, justice system and immigration relief, health care, housing, educational opportunities, benefits and other assistance they are legally entitled to receive. NIWAP works with professionals inside and outside of government to forge innovative solutions that improve legal protections and access to justice for immigrant women and children in the United States.

Published October 10, 2013 by

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[pdf] Romero v. Perez, Court of Appeals of Maryland (April 1, 2019) (+)

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Maryland Court of Appeals ruling addressing the standard that is to be applied when courts enter conclusions of law that reunification with a parent who subjected the child to abuse, abandonment or neglect was not viable. In making this determination the trial courts must apply the Maryland law definitions of abuse, neglect and abandonment and must look at whether reunification would be unworkable. The higher exacting standard that courts apply in termination of parental rights proceedings are not the standards to be applied in SIJS cases. The case includes a significant discussion of SIJS legislative history and purpose, the SIJS process, the trial court’s obligation to make SIJS findings, the burden of proof in SIJS cases, and the legal standards to apply when courts make SIJS judicial determinations. 463 Md. 182, *185; 205 A.3d 903, **905; 2019 Md. LEXIS 163 (April 1, 2019).

Published April 19, 2019 by

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[pdf] Comparing Inadmissibility Waivers Available to Immigrant Victims in VAWA Self-Petitioning, U Visa, T Visa and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Cases (December 26, 2022) (+)

This chart was developed to assist prosecutors, judges and attorneys representing immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, child abandonment, child neglect, and other U visa listed criminal activities to promote a better understanding of the inadmissibility factors that apply, do not apply, or could be waivable for each of the primary forms of immigration relief immigrant victims of crime and abuse are eligible to receive under U.S. immigration laws. This document contains detailed footnotes citing and explaining the statutes and regulations that govern inadmissibility for immigrant crime victims.

Published December 26, 2022 by

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[pdf] Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJS): Inadmissibility Factors That Do and Do Not Apply to SIJS Cases (December 26, 2022) (+)

Reference list on inadmissibility factors that do and do not apply in cases of children applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) and for lawful permanent residence as SIJS recipients. For more detailed information on inadmissibility for victims of crime and abuse see https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/inadmissibility-comparison-charts-for-victims.

Published December 28, 2022 by

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[pdf] Chapter VI – Inadmissibility in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Cases (December 26, 2022) (+)

This Chapter explains admissibility requirements and the inadmissibility waivers that may be available in cases of children applying for SIJS. It discusses the grounds of inadmissibility and SIJS that describes the inadmissibility that statutorily does not apply or can be waived in cases of SIJS and grounds of inadmissibility that SIJS cannot waive.

Published December 26, 2022 by

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[pdf] Extending VAWA Confidentiality and 384 Protections to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Eligible Immigrant Children (January 31, 2023) (+)

This memo submitted to the Council on Combatting Gender-Based Violence at DHS on January 31, 2023 discusses why SIJS children should receive the same VAWA confidentiality protections as all other immigrant survivors protected under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

Published January 31, 2023 by

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[pdf] Appendix D1 – USCIS SIJS Policy Manual Full – Vol 6 (October 7, 2022) (+)

This Appendix explains the purpose, background and eligibility requirements of SIJS. It discusses documentation, evidence, adjudication, appeals, motions to reopen, and motions to reconsider, and finally Data about SIJS.

This publication was developed under grant number SJI-20-E-005 from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State Justice Institute.

Published October 7, 2022 by

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[pdf] Appendix D2 – USCIS SIJS Policy Manual Full – Vol 7 (October 7, 2022) (+)

This Appendix is a USCIS policy manual on the adjustment of status in Special Immigrant Juvenile cases. It explains the purpose and background and eligibility requirements. If further discusses adjudication the documentation and evidence.

This publication was developed under grant number SJI-20-E-005 from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State Justice Institute.

Published March 7, 2022 by

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[pdf] Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Regulations 1993, 2009, 2011, and 2022 (October 3, 2022) (+)

This document compares and contrasts the original 1993 rule on Special Immigrant Juvenile
Status, a 2009 amendment to this rule, the 2011 proposed rule on Special Immigrant Juvenile
Status, and the subsequently adopted 2022 rule that went into effect on March 8, 2022. The 2022
rule significantly amended prior versions of the rule, including the 2011 proposed rule. This
document will help readers understand the 2022 rule amendments and which portions of the
1993 and 2009 versions of the rule remain intact, as well as which portions of the 2011 proposed
rule remained in the final rule.

Published October 3, 2022 by

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[pdf] USCIS Naturalization for Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJS) (September 21, 2022) (+)

Fact Sheet developed by USCIS describing the benefits and process for immigrant children who were victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect or similar harm perpetrated by at least one of the child’s parents who were granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status by USCIS and gained lawful permanent residency through the SIJS program.

Published September 21, 2022 by

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[pdf] In Re Guardianship of Saul H. California Supreme Court Ruling Summary (August 18, 2022) (+)

This document provides and overview for state court judges issuing Special Immigrant Juvenile Predicate Orders of the California Supreme Court ruling on August 15, 2022, in In re Guardianship of Saul H. The Court overturned a state probate trial court that refused to issue a predicate order to an immigrant child who suffered abuse and neglect perpetrated by his parents. Despite the uncontroverted evidence about the abuse and neglect by Saul’s parents, the probate court denied his request of SIJS findings. Saul appealed and the Court of Appeals affirmed, but on the California Supreme Court reversed, with all justices concurring. In In re Guardianship of Saul H., the California Supreme Court provides very helpful clarification and direction that will assist trial courts and appellate courts in California and nationally for state courts carrying out their Congressionally assigned role issuing predicate orders that are a required of immigrant children filing SIJS applications. The training tool for state court judges and lawyers summarizes the California Supreme Courts ruling.

Published August 18, 2022 by

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[pdf] In Re Guardianship of Saul H (CA S. Ct 8.15.22) (+)

On August 15, 2022, the California Supreme Court published its opinion on In re Guardianship of Saul H in which that Court overturned a state court that refused to issue a predicate order to an immigrant child who suffered abuse and neglect perpetrated by his parents. Despite the uncontroverted evidence about the abuse and neglect by Saul’s parents, the probate court denied his request of SIJS findings. Saul appealed and the Court of Appeals affirmed, but on the California Supreme Court reversed, with all justices concurring. In In re Guardianship of Saul H., the California Supreme Court provides very helpful clarification and direction that will assist trial courts and appellate courts in California and nationally for state courts carrying out their Congressionally assigned role issuing predicate orders that are a required of immigrant children filing SIJS applications.

Published August 15, 2022 by

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[pdf] Administrative Appeals Office Non-Precedent Decision In Re: 12890448 (September 14, 2021) (+)

USCIS AAO non precedent decision granting SIJS child who was abandoned and neglected by her father who did not support her and who was residing with her non-abusive mother in Texas at the time of the state court order. To qualify for SIJS a child need only be abused, abandoned or neglected by one parent and can be living with the non-abusive parent. Where the Texas court applied Texas child welfare laws to deny the father access to the child such a determination is sufficient to support the court’s determination that reunification with the father was not viable and the child was eligible for SIJS. The state court need only conduct an individualized assessment under state law for SIJS findings to be sufficient for SIJS purposes.

Published September 14, 2021 by

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[pdf] Administrative Appeals Office Non-Precedent Decision In Re: 13258676 (November 24, 2021) (+)

Non-precedent decision for the USCIS AAO granting SIJS to an over 18 year old minor in Texas where the state court had continuing jurisdiction to issue SIJS findings because the state court retained jurisdiction under Texas law in a case in which an abusive mother was ordered to pay child support and under state law the child support order gave the Texas court continuing jurisdiction over the abused child after they turned 18. The court’s jurisdiction was for the purpose of remedying child abuse and providing the child abuse victim support so SIJS findings issues in the child support case under Texas law were not for the sole purpose of SIJS immigration relief.

Published November 24, 2021 by

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[pdf] USCIS Policy Alert – Policy Manual Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Adjustment of Status (June 10, 2022) (+)

USCIS policy alert discussing updates to the SIJS policy manual. Highlights include:

• Confirms that USCIS relies on the expertise of the juvenile court in making child welfare decisions and does not reweigh the evidence to determine if the child was subjected to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law.
• Clarifies that in order to consent to the grant of SIJ classification, USCIS must review the juvenile court order(s) and any supplemental evidence submitted by the petitioner to conclude that the request for SIJ classification is bona fide.
• Explains that the evidentiary requirements for DHS consent include the factual basis for the required juvenile court determinations, as well as the relief from parental abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law granted or recognized by the juvenile court.
• Provides that relief from parental maltreatment may include the court-ordered custodial placement, the court-ordered dependency on the court for the provision of child welfare services, and/or other court-ordered or court-recognized protective or remedial relief.
• Explains that the evidentiary requirements for establishing the age of an SIJ petitioner include a petitioner’s valid birth certificate, official government-issued identification, or any other document that in USCIS’ discretion establishes the petitioner’s age, which may include affidavits or secondary evidence of age.
• Removes marriage as a basis for automatic revocation of the petition for SIJ classification.

Published June 10, 2022 by

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[pdf] Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration Policies Released in 2021 and 2022 That Are Important for Immigrant Survivors (May 17, 2022) (+)

This document contains a list of policies issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are important to and impact cases of immigrant survivors of crime and abuse that enhance both protections from deportation for survivors and access to immigration relief under the following programs: VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Battered Spouse Waivers and INA Section 106 Work Authorization for Abused Spouses of A, E(3), G and H visa holders. The link to each policy is followed by a description of the policy and how it is helpful to immigrant survivors.

Published May 17, 2022 by

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[pdf] USCIS: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Classification and Deferred Action (March 7, 2022) (+)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to consider deferred action (and related employment authorization) for noncitizens with approved Special Immigrant Juveniles Status (SIJS) cases who are ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status solely due to visa unavailability.

Published March 7, 2022 by

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[pdf] Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Regulations Final Rule Federal Register (March 8, 2022) (+)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published final rule governing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases, filings, adjudications and access to lawful permanent residency for SIJS children. These rules incorporate statutory changes made since issuance of the prior rule and clarify eligibility requirements. Incorporates statutory amendments from The Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-416, 108 Stat. 4319 (Jan. 25, 1994); The Departments of
Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (CJS 1998 Appropriations Act), Pub. L. 105-119, 111 Stat. 2440 (Nov. 26, 1997); The Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act
of 2005 (VAWA 2005), Pub. L. 109-162, 119 Stat. 2960 (Jan. 5, 2006); and The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA 2008), Pub. L. 110-457, 112 Stat. 5044 (Dec. 23, 2008).

Published March 8, 2022 by

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[pdf] Public Benefits Flow Charts: VAWA Self‐Petition and Cancellation, U-Visas, T-Visas, and SIJS (December 29, 2021) (+)

The public benefits flow charts pertain to VAWA self-petition and cancellation, U-Visas, T-Visas, and Special Juvenile Immigrant Status (SIJS). Specifically, the charts explain access to federal and state public benefits for battered immigrant spouses and children of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, victims of human trafficking, U-Visa victims, and SIJS victims.

Published December 29,. 2021 by

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[pdf] NIWAP Comments in Response to Request for Public Input: Identifying Barriers Across U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) Benefits and Services (May 19, 2021) (+)

Comment in Response to Request for Public Input: Identifying Barriers Across U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) Benefits and Services; CIS No. 2684-21; DHS Docket No. USCIS–2021–0004; RIN 1615-ZB87 discussing policy reforms needed that benefits immigrant survivors of crime and abuse.

Published May 19, 2021 by

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