Introduction to Unaccompanied Children and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

The Children’s Immigration Law Academy (CILA), a project of the American Bar Association, and the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. (DMRS) will offer a virtual presentation on April 5 at 12pm on an Introduction to Unaccompanied Children and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The presentation will cover an overview of the process for children who cross the border on their own, without a parent or legal guardian, and are designated unaccompanied. Children who enter unaccompanied are held by the Office of Refugee Resettlement until a sponsor can be located, and they need representation in immigration court to avoid deportation. The presentation will also cover the most common form of humanitarian relief for immigrant youth, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is granted to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by at least one parent. Learn more about the requirements to gain this protection, including what is required in the state court order. Specific procedural pointers for El Paso practitioners will be covered. Ethical issues in representing children will also be discussed.
Speakers:
Dalia Castillo-Granados, Director, CILA
Imelda Maynard, Staff Attorney, DMRS