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Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition: A Path to Safety for Abused and Abandoned Minors

Indera DeMine, Esq

For many, immigration is not simply a choice for a better life but a desperate roll of the dice for survival or asylum. Such was the case for our client, a Honduran minor who entered the United States to escape the abuse, neglect, and abandonment of his parents.

When retaining DeMine Immigration, we understood that our client would be at risk of imminent danger if reunited with his biological parents. Thus, we strategized to file a Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition.

What is a Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition?

This petition is designed to protect foreign national minors who have entered the United States unaccompanied. With evidence that reunification with one or both parents would harm or endanger the minor, they may apply for protection and legal status in the United States.

To apply for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition, the following requirements must be met:

  • The child must be under the age of 21
  • The child must be living in the U.S
  • The child must be unmarried
Additionally, the child must have a valid juvenile court order stating that they:
  • Are dependent on the court, or in the custody of a state agency, department, or an individual or entity appointed by the court;
  • Cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect (or similar reasons under state law); and
  • It is not in their best interest to return to their country of nationality or last habitual residence.
For more information click  U.S Citizen and Immigration Service. 

 

Results

In only three months, our brave young client’s petition was approved, opening a pathway for this minor to potentially earn lawful permanent residency status in the United States.

Young yet resilient, our client serves as an inspiration to our firm and a powerful reminder of why access to legal representation is essential.

Ready to take the next step?

Are you or someone you know a minor facing immigration challenges in the United States? Reach out to DeMine Immigration for guidance. We’re here to support you in finding the best path forward. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team today.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced team .
Indera DeMine, Esq

Indera DeMine, Esq

Ms. DeMine is a resident of Southwest Florida and a solo practitioner located in downtown Fort Myers. Ms. DeMine started her immigration law career immediately after graduating Ave Maria School of Law in 2012. She began working for a local firm in Fort Myers, Florida for almost 4 years. As an immigrant herself, Ms. DeMine has always been passionate about Immigration law and welcomed the opportunity to help her clients navigate the often confusing, immigration process.