Facts: V is an 18-year-old native of Guatemala who came to the U.S. to escape gang violence in his hometown. He has been living with his older brother since arriving in New York. V’s father abandoned V and his family sometime in 2019. He has not had any contact with his dad since then. Prior to his dad’s abandonment, V witnessed his father drunk several times a week. When his father would drink, he became verbally abusive to V and his mother and siblings. V states that his father never took interest in his life. V now leads a stable and safe live in Brooklyn with his brother. 

Legal Assessment: V 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, V’s father neglected and abandoned him. This status will allow him to remain in the U.S. with his brother and eventually be able to seek lawful permanent residence. V needs a dedicated pro bono advocate to fight his case before two courts, Kings County Family Court and the Immigration Court.

V is a Spanish speaking client.