Mastering Special Immigrant Juvenile Cases: From State Court to Adjustment of Status

This program, presented by Keighly Rector, will discuss the multiple steps to representing young people seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), from obtaining requisite orders in state court to applying for adjustment of status. Participants will also learn how pending removal proceedings with the Immigration Court intersect with a client's SIJS application. Recent trends and policy changes will be discussed, including SIJS deferred action and eligibility for employment authorization. This program will benefit attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives assisting SIJS-eligible youth in state court, before U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, or before the Immigration Court.

Learning Objectives:

1. Screen potential clients for SIJS eligibility

2. Obtain requisite orders from the state (juvenile) court, including a well-crafted Special Findings Order

3. Prepare a successful I-360 petition to file with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services

4. Navigate the intersection between your client's SIJS petition and pending removal proceedings

5. Review the visa bulletin and special considerations for SIJS adjustments of status