Trouble for Young Immigrants

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status has been a means through which unaccompanied minors who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by one or both parents can obtain a green card and thus pursue their dream of living lawfully in the U.S.  However, under the current administration, denials have been issued when the young immigrants are already 18 years old despite the fact that they may apply until they turn 21.  In the 2017 fiscal year, 7% of the decisions were denials, while in 2018 the percentage jumped to 20%.  USCIS policy does not agree with the federal statute, and it is creating extra work for attorneys and the courts.