SIJS – Family Court Judge’s Role
Federal immigration law empowers family court judges to issue the special findings necessary for a juvenile to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
- While a family court judge’s special finding allows a juvenile to take a first step toward applying for SIJS, immigration officials are SOLELY responsible for deciding whether a juvenile is eligible for SIJS.
SIJS in NY Courts
Special Findings must be made by a state court judge.
- Some of the proceedings where special findings are available include:
- Article 10 Proceedings (Abuse & Neglect)
- Voluntary Placement/Destitute Child Cases
- Adoptions
- Guardianship Proceedings
- Custody/Support Proceedings (varies by judicial department)
- PINS Proceedings
- Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings
- Family Offense Proceedings