If you are a young immigrant living in the United States without legal status — or facing family difficulties — you may have options to stay here lawfully and safely. One important form of immigration relief for minors is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
At Whitaker Legal, our immigration attorneys help children and young adults across Maryland apply for SIJS and, ultimately, for their green cards. Here’s what you should know about this life-changing program.
What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
SIJS is an immigration benefit created by Congress to help minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It provides a path to lawful permanent residence (a green card) for those who meet the legal requirements.
To qualify, you must:
- Be under 21 years old and unmarried;
- Have a juvenile court order stating that you cannot reunify with one or both parents because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment;
- The court must also find that it is not in your best interest to return to your home country.
How SIJS Works
The process for SIJS happens in two main steps:
- Juvenile Court Order – Your attorney will help you go before a family or juvenile court in your state (such as Maryland) to obtain a predicate order. This order confirms the facts about your family situation and your eligibility for SIJS.
- Immigration Petition (Form I-360) – Once the court order is issued, your lawyer files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, you may then apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
Each step requires careful coordination and accurate documentation. An experienced immigration attorney ensures that your case is handled properly and that deadlines are met.
Why SIJS Matters
For many immigrant children, SIJS is more than just legal status — it’s a chance to build a safe, stable, and permanent future in the United States. It can also open doors to education, employment, and community opportunities that may not have been possible before.
Even if you are in removal (deportation) proceedings or already have a deportation order, you may still qualify for SIJS. Every situation is different, and it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Work with an Experienced Maryland Immigration Attorney
At Whitaker Legal, our attorneys have years of experience helping children and families obtain SIJS and other humanitarian protections. She understands how emotional and complex these cases can be — and she’s committed to guiding young immigrants toward a brighter future.
If you or your child may qualify for SIJS, don’t wait to get help. Call Whitaker Legal at 410-207-9272 or visit our website to schedule your confidential consultation today.
