Secure Stability for Vulnerable Immigrant Children
Secure Stability for Vulnerable Immigrant Children
If you are caring for an undocumented child under the age of 21 in New York or New Jersey, filing a guardianship petition can be the first step toward helping them obtain legal status in the U.S. At Cardenas Immigration Law, we guide families through the guardianship process to open pathways to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)—a key step toward lawful permanent residency.
How We Help You Through the Guardianship & SIJS Process
How We Help You Through the Guardianship & SIJS Process
Step 1: File a Guardianship Petition in Family Court
We start by filing for legal guardianship in state family court. This establishes a stable living arrangement and allows the court to issue a Special Findings Order, which is required for SIJS.
Step 2: Apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Once guardianship is granted, we assist in filing the SIJS petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating that the child has been abandoned, neglected, or abused and that returning to their home country is not in their best interest.
Step 3: Obtain Work Authorization & Social Security
After SIJS is approved, the child becomes eligible for work authorization and a Social Security number, providing immediate relief while awaiting their green card.
Step 4: Adjust Status to Lawful Permanent Resident
Once a visa becomes available, we guide the child through the adjustment of status process, securing their green card and a future in the United States.
Our team ensures that every petition is filed correctly and at the right time—avoiding unnecessary delays that could impact a child’s ability to remain in the U.S. legally. Contact Cardenas Immigration Law today to learn how we can help protect the future of the child in your care.
Take the First Step Toward Your Immigration Success
No matter where you are in your immigration journey, having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Cardenas Immigration Law, Attorney Veronica Cardenas personally guides you through the process, ensuring you are prepared, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
✔ Work directly with Attorney Cardenas—no case is handed off
✔ Expert legal guidance from a former ICE prosecutor
✔ Transparent flat-fee pricing—no hidden costs
✔ Fluent in Spanish—no interpreter needed
✔ Nationwide representation—serving clients in all 50 states
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward securing your future in the U.S.