Today, APBCo submitted a letter in support of legislation in California that amends state law so that probate courts will have jurisdiction over Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) applicants who are between the ages of 18 and 20. Federal law provides for SIJS relief up to the age of 21. But, to get that relief, applicants need a guardianship and SIJS order from state court. In California, the probate courts refuse to hear cases for individuals over the age of 18, leaving many children who enter the country shortly before reaching that age in a precarious situation. APBCo submitted the attached letter in support of legislation that, if passed, will give California probate courts jurisdiction over SIJS applicants between the ages of 18 and 20.
AB_900_APBCo_Letter1
