Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status can be a path to lawful permanent resident status if you are in the US and need the protection of a juvenile (family) court because you have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent.  This process can be very technical, and will require a court order from a juvenile/family court that makes specific required findings as to the child’s situation.  It is important to note that how a child is defined under state law versus under immigration law can differ; a juvenile/family court in Texas can typically only issue orders for a child that meets the definition of a “child” under the Texas Family Code, which is typically 18.  However, a child as per the Immigration & Nationality Act is considered a child while under the age of 21.  Obtaining the required state family court order in Texas before a child turns 18 is crucial.  Knowledge of what findings are required, and how to prove to a state family court judge those facts and elements is of paramount importance.

An attorney well-versed and experienced in state family law, who has knowledge of the required immigration-related findings is key here.  The Law Office of Mary Khano Foteh, PC has many years of experience in acquiring the requisite state court order for purposes of filing for Special Immigrant Juvenile status with USCIS.  As an attorney who handles both family law and immigration law, Mary Khano Foteh can handle these matters from start to finish, without the need (in most situations) to obtain a separate family law attorney.