Facts:  F is a 16 year old native of Honduras whose father was verbally and physically abusive towards his mother and brother in F’s presence. F’s father died when he was about 14 years old, forcing F to stop attending school so that he would work to provide for himself and his family. F now lives with his cousin in Brooklyn. She is his primary caretaker, financially and emotionally, and has helped F enroll in school. F fears returning to Honduras because of the gang violence he experienced there. Here in NYC, he lives a safe and protected life with his cousin.

Legal Assessment:  F is eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) because of the neglect of his father and the fact that his father is now deceased. Eventually, with your help, F will be able to seek lawful permanent residence in the U.S. F needs a dedicated pro bono advocate to fight his case before two courts, 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.