Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Applications

Navigating SIJS with Expertise and Dedication

At Siletskaya Immigration Law Firm, we are dedicated to guiding young people through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) application process. Attorney Khristina Siletskaya, a leading advocate in South Carolina, along with her experienced team of paralegals, provides expert support to help eligible minors achieve lawful permanent residency in the United States.

What is SIJS?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of relief available to certain minors who are present in the United States and are unable to return to their home country due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by a parent. This status provides a pathway to a green card for minors who have been through difficult and often traumatic experiences.

Who Qualifies for SIJS?

To qualify for SIJS, you must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement: In SC you must be under the age of 18 (in certain very limited circumstances under 21) to present your case in SC family court.
Juvenile Court Findings: A family court must determine that you have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
Parental Reunification or Termination: Reunification with one or both parents must not be viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Returning to Home Country. The family court must also find that returning to your home country is not in your best interest.
U.S. Residency: You must be physically present in the U.S. when applying for SIJS.

The Process of Going Through Family Court

The SIJS process starts in family court, where you need to obtain a court order confirming your eligibility for SIJS. This process can be intricate and demanding, especially in South Carolina, where local political attitudes can sometimes hinder judges from fully adhering to the law. The family court proceedings involve several key steps:

Filing a Petition: You or your guardian must file a petition in family court, requesting findings of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Court Hearing: During the court hearing, evidence and testimony will be presented to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria. This may involve providing documentation, witness statements, and expert opinions.
Court Order: If the court determines that you qualify for SIJS, it will issue an order documenting its findings. This order is crucial for the next steps in the immigration process.

Navigating this process can be particularly tricky, requiring a thorough understanding of both family and immigration law. Our law firm is well-versed in these proceedings and works diligently to ensure that every detail is addressed.

How SIJS Leads to a Green Card

Once you have obtained a favorable family court order, you can apply for a green card through SIJS. The process includes:

Applying for SIJS Status: Submit your SIJS petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the family court order and other required documents.
Green Card Application: After USCIS approves your SIJS petition, you can proceed with applying for a green card. This involves submitting additional forms and undergoing a medical examination.
Green Card Approval: Once approved, you will receive lawful permanent residency status, allowing you to live and work in the U.S. and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship: Once they receive their green card, the child must wait until they meet the general residency requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship. Typically, the requirement is to hold a green card for five years, but they cannot start the naturalization process until reaching the age of 18.

Why Choose Attorney Khristina Siletskaya?

Attorney Khristina Siletskaya is one of the few attorneys in South Carolina specializing in SIJS cases. Her expertise extends beyond individual cases—she has played a significant role in shaping SIJS law in the state of South Carolina by filing and winning appeals that have impacted the legal landscape.

In January 2024, Attorney Siletskaya was a panelist at a prominent event in South Carolina, where she, along with other children’s rights activists, educated judges and legal professionals about SIJS and immigrant children’s rights. Her dedication to this cause ensures that every case is approached with the highest level of expertise and advocacy.

Our Commitment

At Siletskaya Immigration Law Firm, we are committed to providing compassionate and skilled representation to minors seeking SIJS. Our goal is to guide you through this complex process with care and precision, helping you secure the protection and future you deserve.