Facts: Y is a 19-year-old native of Honduras who came to the U.S. seeking stability after her mom passed away. Y’s father has never been a part of her life. He left Honduras when she was two years old to come to the U.S. He had sporadic contact with her after leaving and did not provide her with financial support. After Y’s mother passed away, she had nowhere to live so she came to the U.S. to reunite with family. When she first arrived, she lived with her father and some of his family members. One day, her father became angry and tried to strangle her. She left his apartment a few months later to live with her mom’s cousin and other family members. Her mom’s cousin has been supportive of Y and helped her. 

Legal Assessment: Y 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. In this case, Y’s father neglected and abandoned her and her mother is deceased. This status will allow her to remain in the U.S. and eventually be able to seek lawful permanent residence. Y needs a dedicated pro bono advocate to fight her case before two courts, Bronx Family Court and the Immigration Court.

Y is a Spanish speaking client.