Facts: E is a 19-year-old native of Guatemala who came to the U.S. to be reunited with his mother. E’s father was never part of his life in a meaningful way. He left E to come to the U.S. when E was very young and failed to provide consistent financial support. When E arrived in the U.S., he saw his father a few times but his father was often drunk and would become verbally abusive. E’s father passed away in June 2020. E is now living with his mother who is taking care of all of his needs. 

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

E is a Spanish speaking client.