For over a decade, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) has provided free legal services to young people who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied children, many of whom are fleeing violence and instability in their home countries. We have represented over 1,000 children at risk of deportation, securing permanent legal status for 100% of those whose cases have concluded.
In this blog, we highlight the journeys of these remarkable clients who became Lawful Permanent Residents through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a critical protection for undocumented children who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect. While SIJS offers a vital pathway to safety, delays in obtaining green cards due to the lack of meaningful immigration reform leave vulnerable children in prolonged legal limbo.
You will learn about the efforts advocacy groups are making to end the SIJS backlog, and how Centro Legal is driving meaningful change. We’ll remain committed to supporting these young people as they build safer, more stable futures.
What advocacy is happening to end the SIJS backlog?
Centro Legal recently supported the End SIJS Backlog Coalition in hosting an impactful SIJS convening in Oakland, marking a critical step in the ongoing advocacy efforts to eliminate the SIJS backlog. The Coalition, a project of the National Immigration Project, is supporting youth organizing, as well as legislative and administrative advocacy, to address the challenges SIJS-impacted youth face. The SIJS backlog leaves young people who have been approved for SIJS without visas, keeping them in legal limbo for years and preventing access to critical benefits such as federal financial aid and advance parole for travel.
The SIJS backlog is particularly frustrating because, although youth are approved for protection under SIJS, visa availability is capped, categorizing them under employment-based visas, which makes no sense for these vulnerable youth. As a result, they wait 3-7 years for visa availability, with no certainty about when they will be able to regularize their status and become permanent residents. This limbo impacts nearly every aspect of their lives, including their ability to study abroad, visit dying family members, or access federal financial aid.
The Oakland convening brought together 15 SIJS youth. A third of the attendees were Mam speakers, for whom simultaneous interpretation was provided, ensuring everyone could fully participate. The goal of the event was to build a local base of SIJS youth from the Bay Area, fostering connections and empowering them to get involved in the advocacy efforts to end the backlog.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in bonding activities and shared personal stories of how the backlog had affected them, creating a space of mutual support and understanding. There were also educational components on how the backlog can be eliminated, alongside efforts to advocate for changes such as access to federal financial aid and advance parole, which would allow youth to travel for humanitarian, educational, or work purposes without jeopardizing their SIJ Status.
The convening concluded with a powerful exercise in advocacy, where attendees wrote letters to key stakeholders. One group addressed the Department of Education, advocating for SIJS youth to access federal financial aid. Another group focused on USCIS, urging the agency to allow for advance parole so that SIJS youth could leave and re-enter the U.S. for critical reasons without risking their immigration status.
K.R., a participant in the event, reflected on the experience, saying:
“Mi parte favorita fue donde nos explicaron a detalle sobre los pasos durante el proceso de espera de la visa. Durante la reunión me sentía un poco tímida pero luego me sentí en confianza ya que todos fueron muy amables. Al terminar la reunión, me sentí muy feliz y emocionada por la información que nos brindaron.”
K.R. also shared her hopes for the future, expressing a desire to continue studying in the U.S. and one day use her knowledge to help others: “Realmente mis deseos para mi futuro es poder seguir estudiando aquí y llegar a ser una persona de mucho conocimiento para así mismo poder brindarles de ese conocimiento a más personas que lleguen a necesitar de mi ayuda.”
Centro Legal is deeply invested in ensuring SIJS youth are not only protected but also empowered to fight for their rights. The Coalition’s efforts have already led to victories, including the creation of deferred action for SIJS youth, which offers work permits and protection from deportation. However, more work remains to be done. The Coalition is now pushing for interim solutions like access to federal aid and codifying deferred action, ensuring these policies become permanent protections for SIJS youth.
At Centro Legal, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact of SIJS on the lives of young immigrants. For participants like Ángel, attending an event hosted by the End SIJS Backlog Coalition was a powerful experience that filled him with hope for the future:
“It was an incomparable feeling to be among other young people who are in the same situation as me. I felt supported and happy because there are people who, despite the exhaustion and challenges, continue to help us. They do everything possible to make sure everything turns out well and as quickly as possible. I am so grateful to the Coalition members because they are giving us all their support so that we don’t have to wait any longer and can finally fulfill our dreams.”
For Ángel, like many other youth, the visa is a key to realizing his potential and achieving his dreams of becoming a doctor. He reflects on how it could change his life:
“Many young people dream of becoming lawyers, doctors, teachers, surgeons—but they can’t achieve that without a visa to open the doors to success. My only dream is to live without fear of deportation and to give my future family a better life in the United States—an education, better healthcare, and a safe environment. I want to study medicine so that I can help more people.”
The SIJS process brings both challenges and hope. Dario, another youth attendee shared his gratitude for the support provided during the Oakland convening:
“I felt so grateful for the support we received and incredibly excited about the possibility of changes in our petitions. We all want equality, especially when it comes to accessing education, so that we can develop our skills and better serve this country.”
Dario’s hopes for the future are centered around his desire to not only improve his own life but also to uplift others:
“I would like to finish my studies, earn a master’s degree, and help more young people become better day by day.”
How can you help?
In the long term, Centro Legal envisions a future where SIJS youth are no longer stuck in limbo. These young people deserve the chance to live full, meaningful lives—attending college, pursuing careers, and being able to travel without fear. The Coalition’s campaign to eliminate the SIJS backlog is entirely achievable, but it requires continued advocacy and legislative change. If you are interested in learning more about the Coalition, visit sijsbacklog.com.
You can also support Centro Legal by donating. Donations will allow us to provide critical legal representation to vulnerable youth navigating these complex immigration processes. Your contribution directly funds access to essential services, and ensures that immigrant youth can live with safety, stability, and dignity. Together, we can amplify the voices of those in limbo and help them achieve the futures they deserve. Every donation helps drive change and empower the communities we serve. Visit gabonmagazine.com/donate today!
Sharing Clients’ Resilience
Here are the inspiring stories of four resilient individuals— Mary, Olivia, Marco and Victor—who have navigated the challenging journey of immigration to the United States. Each of them faced their own unique struggles and uncertainties but found hope and support through Centro Legal de la Raza. Their experiences highlight not only the challenges of seeking legal status but also the strength and determination they possess in pursuing their dreams and building a better future for themselves and their families.
MARY immigrated to the United States from El Salvador in 2016, traveling alone without any family. Though the journey was difficult and filled with sadness, it was one she felt she had to make to survive.
She first encountered Centro Legal de la Raza during her first hearing in immigration court. Mary describes the relationship of trust and support she had with her attorney throughout the process. “She’s a professional, but at the same time, she made me feel like family,” Mary shared. “Trabajando con Abby ha sido una experiencia bonita y sincera.” For the past seven years, Mary has been waiting for her green card, and throughout that time, Abby has kept her updated, providing unwavering support, especially during moments when Mary felt like giving up. “Even when I felt unsure about my future in this country, Abby gave me confidence.”
Despite the hope she gained through her attorney’s support, the uncertainty of her legal status and her future weighed heavily on Mary. She lived with constant anxiety, fearing the unknown—what might happen if she were deported, what her future would hold if her green card was denied. At times, the wait felt unbearable, but Mary focused on the present and channeled her energy into her studies.
Recently, in May, she graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in psychology. As she looks toward the future, Mary is considering pursuing a master’s degree in social work, focusing either on marriage and family therapy or special education. She’s also contemplating joining the army, as it would provide a different path to continue her studies.
Ultimately, Mary’s dream is to give back and help others who have faced similar challenges. “By continuing my studies and career path, I will help others who went through what I did. My dream is to help people see the opportunities available to them.”
Her advice to others facing the same backlog that plagued Mary’s case is clear: “Don’t give up. During this long wait, you can feel stuck and unsure of what the future holds for you. But use this time to think about your future, set goals, and work hard to accomplish them. For example, I decided to go to school and study, and I graduated. It shows that dedication and hard work lead to success, and it has opened up many opportunities for me as I move forward now that I have my green card.”
Mary expressed deep gratitude to Centro Legal and Abby for their continued support over the years. “I’ve achieved a huge step in my life, and I’m looking forward to even more success in the future.”
OLIVIA arrived in the United States when she was just 16 years old, traveling with her brothers. After settling in, her sister helped connect her to Centro Legal de la Raza.
When Olivia first arrived, not only did she not speak English, but she spoke little Spanish, as she is Mayan Mam and had minimal formal education in Guatemala. From the beginning, her lawyer and paralegal, working alongside Centro Legal’s Mayan Mam interpreter, guided her through the process of applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) and, eventually, Lawful Permanent Residency. “They really supported me throughout this experience,” Olivia shared. “I wasn’t fully aware of what I needed to do, so thanks to their support, I now have my green card.”
Olivia’s biggest dream is to visit her family in Guatemala, whom she hasn’t seen since she left. Now that she has her green card, she hopes to reunite with them. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to go back. I didn’t think I would ever get my green card,” she admitted.
Today, Olivia is focused on being a mother, which she describes as both a gift and a joy. Her daughter, who is now four years old, will start kindergarten next year. Having security in the U.S. gives Olivia peace of mind as she works to create a better future for her child.
To others facing similar challenges, Olivia offers simple but powerful advice: “Fight for your future.”
MARCO arrived in the United States from Guatemala at the age of 17, traveling alone. He settled in Oakland with an adult cousin who helped him navigate the new environment. Coming to the U.S. was overwhelming, and Marco experienced culture shock, especially since he didn’t speak English at the time and did not speak fluent Spanish, as his native language is K’iche/Quiché.
Marco’s legal case started out with a bang, as he arrived for his initial consultation the day before he was scheduled for his first immigration court hearing . . . in Texas. His attorney at Centro Legal jumped into action, advocating tirelessly to prevent the Texas judge from issuing Marco a removal order due to his inability to secure the resources to travel to Texas for his hearing, and the judge agreed to transfer Marco’s case to the San Francisco Immigration Court.Marco shares that since that day, his legal team “has been great, they completed all my legal applications and provided ongoing support.”
Despite the uncertainty of his legal status, Marco enrolled in high school and focused on his education. In 2022, he graduated from Oakland International High School and started working at an ice cream parlor and café. He enjoys his job, and his colleagues have even suggested that he consider becoming a chef due to how quickly he learned to prepare food for customers. Inspired by this, Marco is thinking about returning to school to study culinary arts or to learn more about the restaurant business. One day, he hopes to become a restaurant owner. “I’m young, so the possibilities are endless,” he said.
For others who are on the same journey toward obtaining a green card, Marco offers encouragement: “Come to Centro Legal. The attorneys and staff here are nice and very helpful. I don’t know if I would have had the opportunities I now have without them.” When Marco received his green card, it was a moment of celebration, and he marked the occasion with his family. “I hope you can celebrate too someday,” he added.
VICTOR arrived in Oakland in 2018 at the age of 17. Once he settled in, his older brother became his guardian and encouraged him to focus on his education. Taking this advice to heart, Victor enrolled at Oakland High School, where he was connected to Centro Legal through his social worker in the Oakland Unified School District’s Newcomers Program.
At Centro Legal, Victor received support from their Senior DOJ Accredited Representative and Paralegal, who guided him through the SIJS application process. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with them and the respectful, patient relationship they built. Their confidence allowed him to remain calm during the wait, enabling him to focus fully on his studies without worry.
After graduating high school, Victor began working as a roofer, which has provided him with financial stability. With this new role, he also took on the responsibility of being the guardian for his younger sister, who recently arrived in the U.S. at 16. Victor is now working to ensure she has the same opportunities he did, including getting her paperwork in order.
Now that Victor has received his green card, he feels ready to pursue his dreams of helping his relatives in Honduras. He dreams of owning his home and hopes to one day become a U.S. citizen. He also plans to enroll in English classes to continue improving his life and making the most of his opportunities in the U.S.
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