Introduction to Unaccompanied Children and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

The Children’s Immigration Law Academy (CILA), a project of the American Bar Association, and the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. (DMRS) offer a virtual presentation on April 25 at 12pm on an Introduction to Unaccompanied Children and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The presentation covers an overview of the process for children who cross the border on their own, without a parent or legal guardian, and are designated unaccompanied. Children who enter unaccompanied are held by the Office of Refugee Resettlement until a sponsor can be located, and they need representation in immigration court to avoid deportation. The presentation also covers the most common form of humanitarian relief for immigrant youth, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is granted to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by at least one parent. Learn more about the requirements to gain this protection, including what is required in the state court order. Specific procedural pointers for El Paso practitioners are covered. Ethical issues in representing children are also discussed.