Helping Immigrant Children Find Safety, Stability, and Permanent Residency – One Family at a Time
At the Gilmer Law Firm PLLC, located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, we understand the unique challenges immigrant families face when children are caught in unstable, unsafe, or abusive environments. For many of these children, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is not only a path to lawful permanent residency (a green card), but also a gateway to healing, hope, and protection.
With years of experience in both family law and immigration advocacy, George M. Gilmer, Esq., a dedicated Brooklyn family law attorney and Brooklyn SIJS attorney, is committed to guiding children and their caregivers through the complex SIJS process—from Family Court guardianship or custody proceedings to the successful filing of USCIS Form I-360.
What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a humanitarian immigration classification designed to help unaccompanied or undocumented children under the age of 21 who have been:
- Abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents; and
- Declared dependent on a juvenile court, or placed under the custody of a state agency or appointed guardian.
SIJS allows these vulnerable children to adjust their immigration status and eventually receive lawful permanent residency, protecting them from deportation and giving them access to education, employment, and stability.
But the SIJS process is complex—it requires both Family Court proceedings and USCIS adjudication. That’s why it’s essential to have a New York SIJS attorney and family law attorney who understands both systems and can act quickly and compassionately on your child’s behalf.
Who Qualifies for SIJS?
To qualify for SIJS under USCIS Form I-360, the child must:
- Be under 21 years old at the time of filing and unmarried.
- Be physically present in the U.S.
- Be declared dependent by a juvenile court, or placed in custody of a state agency or appointed individual.
- Have a court finding that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar grounds.
- Have a best interest determination that return to the country of origin is not appropriate.
- Receive consent from DHS/USCIS.
At Gilmer Law Firm PLLC, our Brooklyn SIJS attorney works with caregivers—often relatives or sponsors—to ensure children receive the Family Court findings needed to start the SIJS process and then collaborates with immigration counsel to submit the I-360 petition on time.
Our Role in the SIJS Process
Phase 1: Family Court Special Findings
In New York, Family Court plays a key role in SIJS. Before filing Form I-360, the child must obtain a “special findings” order. Our firm regularly appears in Kings County Family Court and across NYC, handling:
- Article 6 guardianship petitions
- Custody petitions by suitable relatives
- Article 10 child protection cases
As an experienced Brooklyn family law attorney, George M. Gilmer, Esq. presents these facts to judges, secures the necessary judicial determinations, and prepares the case for USCIS review.
Phase 2: USCIS Petition (Form I-360)
After obtaining Family Court orders, we coordinate the filing of Form I-360, including:
- Certified court orders and special findings
- Proof of age and physical presence
- Consent documentation if needed
Because the petition must be filed before the child turns 21, timely action is critical. Our office closely monitors each case and partners with immigration counsel to ensure every filing is complete and accurate.
Why Choose Gilmer Law Firm PLLC?
✅ Dual Expertise – We combine the knowledge of a New York family law attorney with SIJS immigration advocacy.
✅ Trauma-Informed Representation – We work compassionately with children facing trauma and abandonment.
✅ Collaborative Partnerships – We partner with immigration counsel for seamless transitions.
✅ Local & Accessible – Conveniently located in Downtown Brooklyn, serving all NYC boroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIJS
❓ Can I file for SIJS if only one parent is in the U.S.?
Yes. Even if one parent is present, if the other abandoned or abused the child, eligibility may exist.
❓ Does SIJS give parents a green card?
No. SIJS only provides lawful status to the child, not the parents.
❓ What if the child is in removal proceedings?
A child can still apply for SIJS, and it may serve as a defense to deportation. Acting quickly is critical.
Start Your Child’s Green Card Journey Today
At Gilmer Law Firm PLLC, we believe every child deserves safety and stability. If you need a Brooklyn SIJS attorney or New York SIJS attorney to guide your family through this process, contact us today.
George M. Gilmer, Esq. and our experienced legal team are ready to walk with you through the Family Court and immigration journey—step by step—until your child is safe, protected, and permanent.