Information for Immigrant Youth
Resources for immigrant youth, including issues like family separation, the California DREAM Act, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and student visas.
CA Dream Act Application Map
This detailed map outlines the four phases required to successfully complete the CA Dream Act Application and receive all financial aid for which you are eligible. Verify this information with an attorney. This information changes often and may not apply to your situation. You can look for an organization that may be able to help you by clicking "Find Legal Help" above.
Guardianships for immigrant youth
A guardianship of the person can be set up for immigrant youth under 21 years old if they need state court findings for a special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) application. If they already have a guardianship, it can be extended. The youth, if at least 18, must consent to the guardianship.
Guidance for SIJS State Court Predicate Orders in California
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Policy Manual for Special Immigrant Juveniles
A comprehensive document about laws regarding Special Immigrant Juveniles. Note that this is an advanced overview of the SIJS law that may be more suitable for advocates and attorneys. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Predicate Order Resource Center
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ)
The purpose of the SIJ program is to help foreign children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Primer
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
The 21st Birthday Eligibility Cutoff for SIJS
Under current USCIS regulations, any person under 21 years of age who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements may be granted SIJS. Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Understand the Differences: In-State Tuition vs CA Dream Act vs DACA
If you have questions about your eligibility, check out this chart that compares AB 540, AB 2000, the California Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in more detail. Please be aware that DACA does not give students eligibility for the FAFSA or any federal financial aid.
Federal Court Scams - Watch Out!
This resource describes common scams to watch out for. Malicious phone calls and emails targeting people and others who interact with the federal courts, instructing them to take action, may lead to people being scammed out of money or personal information.
CA Dream Act Application Map
This detailed map outlines the four phases required to successfully complete the CA Dream Act Application and receive all financial aid for which you are eligible. Verify this information with an attorney. This information changes often and may not apply to your situation. You can look for an organization that may be able to help you by clicking "Find Legal Help" above.
Federal Court Scams - Watch Out!
This resource describes common scams to watch out for. Malicious phone calls and emails targeting people and others who interact with the federal courts, instructing them to take action, may lead to people being scammed out of money or personal information.
Guardianships for immigrant youth
A guardianship of the person can be set up for immigrant youth under 21 years old if they need state court findings for a special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) application. If they already have a guardianship, it can be extended. The youth, if at least 18, must consent to the guardianship.
Guidance for SIJS State Court Predicate Orders in California
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Policy Manual for Special Immigrant Juveniles
A comprehensive document about laws regarding Special Immigrant Juveniles. Note that this is an advanced overview of the SIJS law that may be more suitable for advocates and attorneys. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Predicate Order Resource Center
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ)
The purpose of the SIJ program is to help foreign children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Primer
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
The 21st Birthday Eligibility Cutoff for SIJS
Under current USCIS regulations, any person under 21 years of age who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements may be granted SIJS. Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Understand the Differences: In-State Tuition vs CA Dream Act vs DACA
If you have questions about your eligibility, check out this chart that compares AB 540, AB 2000, the California Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in more detail. Please be aware that DACA does not give students eligibility for the FAFSA or any federal financial aid.