Westchester County Juvenile Immigrant Custody Attorney

Step-by-step guidance throughout all types of custody and guardianship cases

The New York family law system is constantly changing, and many issues require the assistance of a skilled attorney with hands-on experience handling complicated legal matters. Custody and guardianship petitions involving immigrant children, in particular, can be confusing and challenging for individuals unfamiliar with the nuances of the New York Family Court. At the Law Office of Karen Jansen, clients receive trustworthy legal guidance and personalized attention to help them understand their options and make sound decisions. New York family law attorney Karen Jansen has extensive experience handling custody and guardianship cases and understands the overlapping connections between family and immigration law.

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

The federal government established the SIJS program to help foreign juveniles that have been abused, abandoned or neglected obtain legal status and eventually United States citizenship. There are specific requirements that must be satisfied to be classified as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. To be eligible:

  • The juvenile must be under the age of 21 on the date the Special Immigrant Petition is filed
  • A state family or juvenile court must have jurisdiction and declare the child as a dependent
  • The juvenile must be unmarried, both at the time the petition is filed and when a decision is rendered
  • The court must determine that it is not in the child’s best interests to return to their country of origin or last residence
  • Reunification with one or both parent’s is unacceptable because of abuse, abandonment, neglect or similar reasons under state law

Obtaining SIJS provides several benefits by waiving potential roadblocks that would have prevented the juvenile from obtaining permanent residency such as unlawful entry, working without authorization and some immigration violations.

Providing comprehensive resources to help you apply for SIJS

Seeking SIJS may seem like a daunting task and there are often many hurdles that arise once the process begins. Attorney Karen Jansen has helped numerous individuals conquer the SIJS process and achieve favorable results. The first step requires obtaining a court order from State Family Court typically through a custody or guardianship proceeding. Once a state court order is issued, there are several forms that must be completed when applying for SIJS through the United State Citizenship and Immigration Service. During this somewhat lengthy process, it is important to have a seasoned advocate on your side to help you achieve the positive results you deserve.

Trust a leading New York family law attorney to help you apply for and obtain SIJS

At the Law Office of Karen Jansen, we work hard to make the custody and guardianship process as seamless as possible. With an office conveniently located in White Plains, within walking distance of public transportation, attorney Jansen serves clients throughout Westchester County as well as Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. Call 914-821-5200 for a free initial phone consultation or contact the firm online.