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B, N and W were abandoned by their father when the siblings were very young. Help them apply...

  • Client Location: Bronx
  • Type of Relief: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

PLACED

Facts:  B, N, and W are three siblings ranging in age from 13 to 16 years old. They were all born in Guatemala and fled to the US from gang violence and threats that the oldest sibling received in their home town. The siblings were abandoned by their biological father in 2006 when he left the family home. Prior to abandoning the family, their father would get drunk and physically abuse their mother in the children’s presence on a weekly basis. Their father has not had any contact with them or provided them any financial support in more than a decade. They currently reside with their mother in the Bronx, NY where they lead a safe, happy, and protected life.

Legal Assessment:  The three siblings are in removal proceedings and are 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 them to remain in the U.S. with their mother. The three siblings need a dedicated pro bono advocate to fight their 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.

Topics:
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
  • Deportation/Removal
  • Estimated Time Commitment (Hours)
    • < 5
    • 5-10
    • 10-20
    • > 20
    • unknown
  • Mentor Available
  • Free Volunteer Training
  • Organization Provides Malpractice Insurance
  • Case Level / Appropriate For
    Beginner, Intermediate
  • Skills Developed
    Client advice and counseling, Client/witness interviewing, Court hearing, Legal research & writing, Motion Drafting
  • Venue where case will be heard
    Bronx County Family Court, USCIS, Immigration Court