Effective immediately, USCIS has implemented revisions to its Policy Manual (PDF, 343.18 KB) to streamline the adjudication process for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions. The aim of this update is to enhance efficiency for certain applicants navigating the SIJ adjudication process.
The guidance modification is in alignment with the declaratory order issued in Casa Libre/Freedom House v. Mayorkas on July 31, 2023. Notably, the 180-day timeframe for USCIS to adjudicate an SIJ petition is specifically applicable to the initial adjudication, excluding any subsequent motions or appeals filed post-denial of an SIJ petition.
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification is designed for noncitizens in the United States requiring the protective intervention of a juvenile court due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent. Individuals seeking SIJ classification can submit their applications using Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. Noncitizens granted SIJ status may be eligible for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as obtaining a Green Card.
Source: USCIS
