A Lawyer Explains: 2025 Update on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

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What Changed in June 2025?

On June 6, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially ended the automatic grant of deferred action and employment authorization for youth approved with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This is a significant policy shift that affects how undocumented youth navigate the path from SIJS approval to lawful permanent residency.

If you or your child is applying—or has already applied—for SIJS, here's what you need to know.

Quick Recap: What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration relief option for certain undocumented youth under 21 who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. It provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency (a green card) in the United States.

To qualify for SIJS, a youth must:

• Be under 21 years old
  
• Be unmarried
  
• Be currently in the United States
  
• Have a valid state juvenile court order showing:
  
  • Dependency or custody assignment
    
  • That reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
    

That returning to the home country is not in the child’s best interest

Step-by-Step: SIJS Application Process

Step 1: Juvenile Court Order

An attorney files for legal guardianship and obtains a qualifying state court order that supports SIJS eligibility.

Step 2: File Form I-360

With the court order, we submit Form I-360 to USCIS, along with proof of age and identity.

Step 3: (Previously) Request Deferred Action + Work Permit

Until June 6, 2025, USCIS automatically considered deferred action and work authorization (Form I-765) for youth with approved SIJS but no green card due to visa backlogs. That process has now changed.

What's New: 2025 Policy Change

As of June 6, 2025, USCIS has ended the automatic consideration of deferred action and employment authorization for SIJS youth.

What this means:

• New Applicants: No automatic work permit. Deferred action will not be considered unless specifically requested and justified.
  
• Current SIJS Holders: If you already have deferred action and a work permit, you can keep them until they expire—but renewals may not be granted unless new policies are issued.
  

Adjustment of Status (Green Card): SIJS youth can still apply for a green card once a visa becomes available.

What Remains the Same?

• SIJS Still Exists. The ability to apply for SIJS has not changed.
  
• Path to Green Card Still Valid. Once a visa number becomes available, applicants can still file Form I-485 to adjust status.
  

Court Orders Still Required. Eligibility continues to depend on a valid juvenile court order and other criteria.

Why It Matters

This update may cause confusion or delays for families expecting automatic work permits after SIJS approval. It’s important to plan ahead, consult with a qualified immigration attorney, and consider alternative legal protections if needed.

Final Tips: Navigating the SIJS Process in 2025

• Hire an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help ensure your court order meets federal requirements and your immigration filings are complete.
  
• Understand the limitations. Even with SIJS approval, you may not immediately qualify for work authorization or a green card.
  

Stay informed. Immigration policy continues to change. Follow reliable legal news sources or consult directly with Crescent Law for updates.

Conclusion

While SIJS remains a critical pathway for undocumented immigrant youth, the elimination of automatic deferred action and work permits introduces new challenges. At Crescent Law, we’re committed to helping immigrant families navigate these complex updates with clarity and confidence.

If you believe your child qualifies for SIJS—or if you have questions about the impact of these policy changes—contact our office to schedule a consultation.