07/01/2026
We are a nation of immigrants.
Here are three stories from the frontlines of our Immigration Legal Program.
A 15-year-old from El Salvador fled violence caused by Salvadoran gangs. She undertook a dangerous journey to the United States to reunite with her family. We helped her secure Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, but due to a backlog, she had to wait five years before she was eligible to apply for permanent residency. During this wait, she was awarded SIJS Deferred Action, making her eligible to apply for work authorization. She currently awaits approval of her USCIS application and the arrival of her green card. This will bring her one step closer to obtaining US citizenship. She is excited for future stability and hopes to travel soon, without fear.
A 20-year-old accompanied his younger brother to our church clinic, only to realize that he, too, could qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Due to turn 21 the following week, he had only a week to qualify. We prepared family court documents, filed with family court, and asked for the earliest possible court date. We appeared in court the next day, were granted special findings, and prepared and mailed the I-360 form overnight. It arrived the day before his 21st birthday. His case is pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and he is grateful that he was able to apply for this form of immigration relief before the deadline.
A year ago, we represented a Jamaican asylum seeker before Immigration Court, where he demonstrated that returning home would put his life in danger because of his sexual orientation. The client won his claim and secured employment and housing. After living in the United States for one year with asylum status, he is now eligible to apply for his permanent residency. Our Immigration Legal Program is working with him to collect documents, complete forms, and submit the application to adjust his status. Once he has his green card, he will be on the path to US citizenship, eligible to apply after four years.
Three clients; three success stories.
LSSNY provides trusted, community-rooted support that meets urgent needs and builds lasting change.
