Federal government treats children of abuse as deserving protection. In addition to VAWA protection minor children who suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment can seek Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS or SIJ) upon entering the United States.
Children entering the United States without an accompanying adult is considered unaccompanied minor and can seek SIJS status from abuse suffered abroad. Frequently, children also meet the criteria to file an independent claim for asylum.
Juveniles who received SIJ classification, USCIS states, may be granted deferred action for four years which makes them eligible to apply for EAD.
Immigration benefits include lawful permanent resident status and lawful work authorization when the green card application is processing.
SIJS approved juveniles in removal proceedings can seek protection from removal as a prosecutorial discretion.
SIJS minors can obtain employment authorization as an added relief.