Protecting Your Child's Future in the U.S.
Expert SIJS legal representation in Southern California. We guide undocumented minors through every step toward lawful permanent residency with compassion and precision.
Jonathan Esparza SIJS Specialist • San Diego, CA
Your Child Deserves a Safe, Stable Future
At Esparza Law Office, we understand that navigating U.S. immigration law as a family is one of the most stressful experiences a parent can face. Especially when a child's safety and future are on the line.
Led by Attorney Jonathan Esparza, our San Diego-based firm specializes exclusively in helping undocumented minors obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, guiding families through both California state court proceedings and USCIS petitions with clarity and care.
We combine deep legal expertise with genuine compassion, so you're never navigating this alone.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationWhat Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
SIJS is a federal protection that allows undocumented minors who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect to apply for lawful permanent residency in the United States.
Expert Guidance
Years of experience in U.S. immigration law means your petition is thorough, accurate, and built for approval. We handle removal defense and application preparation end-to-end.
Personalized Support
No two cases are the same. We tailor our strategy to your child's unique situation, guiding you through visa requirements, legal proceedings, and California state court processes.
Comprehensive Solutions
From initial consultation through final approval, we provide complete support including risk mitigation strategies and family inclusion services for a successful transition to stability.
Does Your Child Qualify for SIJS in California?
A minor may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status if they meet all three of the following criteria. Our team will assess your case in a free consultation.
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Age and Marital Status: The minor must be unmarried and under 21 years of age at the time of filing.
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Parental Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect: The minor suffered abandonment, abuse, or neglect by one or both parents and cannot be reunified with them.
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Court Finding: A U.S. family or probate court must determine that returning to the minor's home country is not in their best interest.
Not sure if your child qualifies? Don't guess. Schedule a free consultation and we will assess your eligibility in detail.
Your Roadmap to Permanent Residency
The SIJS process involves both California state court and federal immigration steps. We handle every stage so nothing falls through the cracks.
Free Consultation
We review your child's situation, assess eligibility, and outline a clear strategy tailored to your case.
State Court Order
We obtain a California custody or guardianship order, which is the foundational step required before filing with USCIS.
File Form I-360
We prepare and file a complete, compelling SIJS petition with USCIS. Thorough documentation is critical at this stage.
Permanent Residency
Once approved and a visa is available, the minor applies for a green card and achieves lawful permanent residency.
After filing Form I-360, SIJS status is typically granted within approximately 6 months. Timeline can vary based on case complexity and current USCIS processing times.
Jonathan Esparza
Immigration Attorney • Esparza Law Office, P.C.My practice is built on one commitment: providing clients with the highest level of legal service and care so they can navigate complex U.S. immigration law and achieve real results.
At Esparza Law Office, our resources, knowledge, and expertise are always applied to empower clients to access the immigration rights and benefits that have the tremendous potential to transform their lives.
I understand the urgency and weight of what your family is going through. I look forward to providing outstanding legal services to you and your loved ones.
Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about the SIJS process before your consultation.
SIJS is a federal immigration classification that allows undocumented minors in the U.S. who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents to apply for lawful permanent residency. It requires both a state court finding and a USCIS petition.
The applicant must be under 21 years old, unmarried, and declared dependent by a juvenile court or placed under the custody of an agency or individual appointed by a juvenile court. The court must also find that returning to their home country is not in the juvenile's best interest. We will assess your full eligibility during your free consultation.
Once Form I-360 is filed, SIJS status typically takes approximately 6 months to process. However, the total timeline depends on the complexity of the case and current USCIS processing times, which is why proper preparation matters. Immigration law also changes rapidly, making qualified legal counsel essential.
Yes. Once the SIJS petition is approved and a visa number becomes available through the Visa Bulletin, the minor can apply for lawful permanent residency with USCIS. Esparza Law Office guides families through every step of this process.
No. SIJS is specific to the minor child and does not extend to family members through the petition itself. However, there may be other visa categories available to family members. We can consult with you on those options during your case review.
A denial is not the end of the road. There are options for appeals and reapplication. Esparza Law Office will analyze the reason for denial, develop a legal strategy to address the issues, and work to improve the outcome on appeal or refiling.
Your Child's Safety
Cannot Wait
Every day without legal status carries risk. A free consultation with Attorney Esparza takes less than an hour and could change everything.
Ready to Protect Your Child's Future?
Speak directly with Attorney Jonathan Esparza. Free, confidential, no obligation.
San Diego, CA 92103
All information shared is strictly confidential. Attorney-client privilege applies from your first contact with our office.