Unaccompanied Children
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in Washington State
Protecting vulnerable youth through family court and immigration law
How SIJS Works in Washington
To qualify for SIJS, a young person must first obtain findings from a Washington State family or juvenile court. The court must determine:
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The child is dependent on the court, placed in the custody of an individual or agency, or subject to a valid parenting plan or guardianship.
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Reunification with one or both parents is not viable because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
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It is not in the child’s best interest to return to their country of origin.
With this court order in place, the next step is to petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for SIJS protection. Once approved, eligible youth may later apply for permanent residency (a green card).
Paths to SIJS: Parenting Plans and Guardianships
In Washington, family law tools such as parenting plans and guardianships often serve as the foundation for SIJS cases. These legal arrangements allow the court to make the necessary findings about custody, safety, and best interests.
By connecting family court outcomes with federal immigration relief, SIJS ensures that children at risk are given both legal protection and a secure future.
The SIJS Process
Every case is unique, but the general process includes:
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State Court Proceedings
Securing a parenting plan, guardianship, or dependency order with findings required for SIJS eligibility. -
USCIS Petition
Filing Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) with supporting documents. -
Adjustment of Status
When a visa becomes available, filing Form I-485 to apply for lawful permanent residency.
Timing is critical — SIJS petitions must be filed before the child turns 21. Early legal guidance helps avoid missed opportunities.
Why Work With Yohana Valdez Law?
Navigating both family court and immigration law can feel overwhelming. At Yohana Valdez Law, we provide:
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Experience in SIJS cases — bridging the gap between Washington courts and federal immigration requirements.
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Compassionate representation — focused on protecting vulnerable youth.
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Bilingual legal support — serving families in both English and Spanish.
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Personalized guidance — because every child’s story is unique.
We are committed to protecting children and ensuring they have access to the safety and opportunities they deserve.
Take the Next Step
If your family is in Washington and you believe a child may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, don’t wait. These cases are time-sensitive and require both family court and immigration filings.
Contact Yohana Valdez Law today to schedule a consultation and protect a young person’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
An unaccompanied child is a person under the age of 18 who arrives in the U.S. without a lawful immigration status and without a parent or legal guardian available to provide care and custody.
No. Yohana Valdez Law does not provide removal defense or court representation. However, we assist unaccompanied minors with petitions, legal status pathways, and coordination with state courts for cases like Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
SIJS is a special immigration classification for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It provides a path to lawful permanent residency (a green card) when certain legal findings are made in family or juvenile court.
Yes, a Washington State family court must make certain findings about the child’s situation before the immigration process can begin. Our firm can guide families through both the state court and federal immigration steps of this process.
In some cases, yes. If a child has a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member, we can help evaluate whether family-based immigration is an option.
Every case is different. We recommend scheduling a consultation to review your child’s background, living situation, and immigration history. From there, we can provide guidance on next steps.
Work permits may be available depending on the child’s immigration case or petition type. We’ll advise on eligibility as part of the case assessment.