Working with Immigrant Youth Pursuing Humanitarian Applications and Asylum.

The article discusses the challenges faced by immigrant youth from Central or South America who have recently entered the United States. These youth often leave their home countries due to a lack of resources, gang activity, limited educational opportunities, and lack of employment options. When they arrive at the southern border and request asylum, they are placed into removal proceedings with the immigration court system. Seeking asylum can be a lengthy process with varying success rates. The article also mentions alternative humanitarian options, such as U Visas and protection under the Violence Against Women Act, but highlights Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) as a prominent form of relief for immigrant youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The process of obtaining SIJS involves obtaining a valid juvenile court order from a state court, which can present challenges due to the different approaches taken by courts across the United States. The article specifically discusses the process in Mississippi, where the age of majority is 21 and eligibility for SIJS can be established through Youth Court or Chancery Court. Once a predicate order is obtained, the minor can file Form I-360 to apply for SIJS. If approved, the minor will be granted deferred action and become eligible for work authorization. However, there is a backlog of available visas, resulting in a waiting period of about four to five years for permanent residency. The article emphasizes the importance of representing children in immigration cases and provides resources for practitioners. [Extracted from the article]