CENTER FOR

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

Prof. Randi Mandelbaum Comments on Denials And Delays of Special Juvenile Status Applications

Reuters reported on the increased rejections of applications and delays in the processing of applications filed by immigrant youths under the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program. Under SIJ, immigrant youths (defined as those who are below 21 years old) may submit an application for permanent residency if they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. As CILPJ affiliate faculty and Child Advocacy Clinic Director, Prof. Randi Mandelbaum explained, the law requires the administration to process these applications within six months.  Yet, she has cases that have lingered for over a year. Here's the rest of the story.