Special Immigrant Juvenile

Understanding Matter of Cahuec Tzalam (BIA 2025) A newly published decision from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)—Matter of Miguel Angel Otoniel Cahuec Tzalam, decided November 14, 2025—significantly affects how young people pursuing Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status are treated in immigration court.  This ruling limits the ability of Immigration Judges to administratively close removal cases for SIJ applicants who are waiting for their petitions or for visa availability. For many children and young adults depending on administrative closure as a way to pause their deportation cases while USCIS processes their SIJ petitions, this is a major change.  This article explains:

Deferred action has long served as one of the immigration system’s most important humanitarian tools, allowing federal agencies to manage enforcement priorities while shielding vulnerable noncitizens from the harsh consequences of deportation.

The USCIS updated its guidance on the 180-day period for adjudicating special immigrant juvenile petitions by removing provisions for tolling the 180-day period.

This article examines the eligibility requirements for special immigrant juvenile classification if abuse, neglect, abandonment, or something similar took place.

Learn about adjudication of special immigrant juvenile petition, including requisite juvenile court findings and special immigrant juvenile interviews

Special immigrant juvenile petitioners may apply to file their Form I-360 petition in person with a USCIS field office within two weeks of their 21st birthday.