Friend,

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights and our partners at the End SIJS Backlog Coalition are calling on allies to show up to federal court in Brooklyn on September 4th in solidarity with youth with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. 

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a visa pathway to permanent status for youth determined by state juvenile courts to be survivors of parental abuse, abandonment and neglect. In April 2025, the administration abruptly ended the SIJS Deferred Action policy, which allowed SIJS youth to live, learn, and work without fear of deportation while waiting in long backlogs for their permanent residency.  

What’s happening on September 4th?

Last month, nine youth with SIJS and a group of legal service providers filed a class action lawsuit challenging the federal government’s unlawful termination of the Deferred Action policy. On September 4, 2025, their lawyers will argue why a district court judge should block the policy change and restore deferred action protections for SIJS youth. The hearing will take place in Brooklyn, New York, at the Eastern District of New York. 

What can you do?

Show up for SIJS youth, in person or online:

Stand beside SIJS youth in court!   Join us at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Courtroom 6G North, 225 Cadman Plaza, East Brooklyn, NY  

We expect long lines through courthouse security before hearing starts at 2pm. Please arrive early! 

Not in New York? Call on Congress to Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth by September 4th! Sign our petition form.

Sadly, at this time, we advise against SIJS youth or anyone else without lawful permanent resident status or citizenship attending this hearing. 

Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
P.O. Box 2417
Chicago, IL 60690

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