If you’re a young person in the United States who is thinking about applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), you may not be sure what to tell your school, counselor, or guardian who’s trying to help. Many minors first learn about SIJS through a teacher, school social worker, or friend — people who want to support you but might not understand the legal process.

At Whitaker Legal, our immigration attorneys have helped many young immigrants in Maryland and across the U.S. successfully apply for SIJS. Here’s what you should know about what to share — and what to keep private — when others are assisting you with your case.

What Is SIJS?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration program designed to help minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. If approved, it can lead to lawful permanent residence (a green card) in the U.S.

To qualify, you must:

• Be under 21 years old and unmarried at the time of applying;

• Have a juvenile court order saying that you cannot live safely with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment;

• The court must also find that it is not in your best interest to return to your home country.

What You Can Share with Your School or Guardian

If your school counselor, teacher, or guardian is helping you, it’s important to help them understand what SIJS is and how they can assist. You can tell them:

• You are working with (or looking for) an immigration lawyer to apply for SIJS.

• You may need help gathering documents, such as school records or proof of residence, which can be useful for your court case.

They don’t need to know every personal detail about your family situation. It’s okay to say that your case involves family hardship and that your lawyer will handle the legal and private information.

What to Keep Confidential

SIJS cases involve very sensitive topics like abuse, neglect, or abandonment. You do not need to discuss details of what happened with your parents unless you’re speaking with:

• Your immigration attorney, or

• The juvenile court handling your case.

If your school or guardian asks for more details, you can politely explain that your attorney will provide guidance on what can be shared for legal reasons. Keeping this information private protects your case and your safety.

How an Immigration Lawyer Helps Coordinate Support

Your attorney can guide your school or guardian on what information or documents are needed for your SIJS petition. This coordination ensures that everyone is helping you in the right way — without risking mistakes or delays in your case.

At Whitaker Legal, we have years of experience working with minors, schools, social workers, and guardians to ensure that all parts of the SIJS process are handled carefully. She understands the importance of protecting your privacy while making sure your case moves forward smoothly.

Talk to an Experienced Maryland Immigration Attorney

If you or someone you know may qualify for SIJS, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our firm has helped many young people like you apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and build a safer, more stable future in the U.S.

Call Whitaker Legal at 410-207-9272 or visit our website to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Maryland and across the United States.