SIJS & Guardianship for Vulnerable Minors
Protection for young people who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and cannot safely return to their home country.
Introduction
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a humanitarian protection for certain children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. It can open a path to lawful permanent residence for children who cannot safely reunify with a parent.
At Graham Immigration Law, P.C., we handle both sides of these cases — the guardianship petition in California state court and the SIJS application — guiding families through a process that protects the child’s future.
Why Legal Representation Matters
SIJS cases involve two systems at once: a California state court that makes findings about the child’s care, and federal immigration authorities.
The order and timing of these steps matter, and deadlines can be strict — especially as a child nears an age limit. Experienced guidance helps make sure nothing is missed at a stage that can’t be undone.
Our Approach & Legal Support
We guide families through the guardianship and SIJS process with careful preparation, clear communication, and dedicated legal support.
- Strategic guidance from the initial consultation through final resolution
- Filing guardianship petitions in California state court
- Obtaining the special findings required for SIJS
- Preparation and filing of the SIJS application with immigration authorities
- Careful tracking of critical deadlines, with clear updates throughout
Key Advantages
- Experience handling both the state court and immigration sides together
- Sensitive, caring representation focused on the child's wellbeing
- Clear explanations for families in easy-to-understand language
- Close attention to deadlines, because timing is critical in these cases