Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) Practice Exam

What organization reviews applications for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

1. USCIS

2. Department of State

3. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

4. Department of Labor

The correct answer is: USCIS

The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of immigration relief available to certain undocumented minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. The organization responsible for reviewing applications for SIJS is USCIS, which stands for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. When an application for SIJS is filed, USCIS evaluates whether the applicant meets the specific criteria established by immigration law, including the requirement that a juvenile court has made a finding of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This thorough review process is critical because SIJS leads to lawful permanent residency for eligible minors, and USCIS has the expertise and authority to determine eligibility in these sensitive cases. In contrast, other entities listed in the options serve different functions. The Department of State focuses primarily on visa issuance and foreign affairs, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is involved with the enforcement of immigration laws and removal proceedings, and the Department of Labor is responsible for employment and labor issues but does not review SIJS applications. Thus, USCIS plays a crucial role in this specific area of immigration law.