Facts:  S is a 17 year old native of Guatemala who came to the United States to escape an abusive home environment. While in Guatemala, S witnessed domestic violence between her parents. Her dad would get drunk almost every day and beat S’s mother. S’s father would hit S as well. S wanted to escape the dangerous home life so she came to the United States and is currently living with her older sister. She is in high school and is living in a safe and supported life in New York.

Legal Assessment:  S is in removal proceedings and is eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a visa for children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent. This status will allow her to remain in the U.S. with her sister and eventually be able to pursue a pathway to citizenship. S needs a dedicated pro bono advocate to fight her case before the local family court and the Immigration Court.

*A master calendar hearing (MCH) is the first appearance that happens in an immigration case. It is at this appearance that the Immigration Judge (IJ) accepts pleadings. For those who are familiar with criminal court, it has been likened procedurally to an arraignment.