Lula (fictitious name) was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States when she was three years old. In her teen years, she became a dependent of the Orange County Superior Court due to being abused and neglected by her parents.
Through assistance from the Immigration Unit, Lula applied for and was granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ). This type of immigration relief is reserved for minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. SIJ, on its own, is not a legal status. It allows the applicant to apply for permanent residency once their priority date becomes current. This means it takes about three to four years before one with an approved SIJ application can file for their permanent residency (green card).
During the waiting period, the applicant is eligible to receive authorization to work in the United States. After Lula obtained her SIJ approval, Immigration Unit attorney Sarah Yanez successfully applied for her work permit which is valid for four years. This was especially important to Lula because through the dependency court, she was living in a transitional, independent living home (because she is 19 years old) and needed to work to continue in the housing arrangement.
Lula, a high school graduate, is currently very happy and ready to seek employment. She is optimistic about taking college classes and working towards her bachelor’s degree. She will be eligible for her green card within the next three years.
