The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released their Policy Manual Volume 8, Part J, Chapter 2. This chapter covers the topic of “Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Classification.”
The Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification is a pathway for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. This classification is available to children under the age of 21 who meet certain criteria and have a juvenile court order in place.
The USCIS Policy Manual provides guidance to USCIS officers on how to adjudicate SIJ cases. It outlines the eligibility requirements, application process, and evidence needed to support an SIJ petition. The manual also includes instructions on how to handle cases where the child has turned 21 during the adjudication process.
One important update in this chapter is the clarification that SIJ classification is not limited to children who are currently in the United States. The manual states that children who are outside of the country may also be eligible for SIJ classification if they meet all other requirements.
Additionally, the manual provides guidance on how to determine if a state court order is valid and meets the requirements for SIJ classification. It also includes information on how to handle cases where the state court order has been terminated or modified.
The USCIS Policy Manual is a valuable resource for immigration practitioners and individuals seeking immigration benefits. It provides a comprehensive guide for USCIS officers to follow when adjudicating SIJ cases, ensuring consistency and fairness in the process.
Overall, the release of Volume 8, Part J, Chapter 2 of the Policy Manual is a positive step towards providing clarity and guidance on the SIJ classification. It is important for individuals and practitioners to be familiar with this chapter and its updates in order to effectively navigate the SIJ process. For more information, visit the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney.