Today's young immigrants will play an important role in shaping New York City's future. It is important that we provide them with the legal help they need to achieve their full potential. Two groups of immigrant youth have a special need for legal services: undocumented youth in foster care and unaccompanied immigrant youth, including victims of illegal trafficking.
Youth in Foster Care
Immigrant youth in New York City's foster care system may be subject to deportation when they age out of foster care. In recognition of this situation, the federal government has made an exception in immigration law which permits juveniles in foster care to obtain permanent residency under the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Program. DYCD seeks to assist undocumented youth in this effort, which will enable them to access all necessary resources and become more self-sufficient.
Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth
Each year thousands of children enter the U.S. without their parents. Some are fleeing political unrest, parental abuse or neglect, or poverty; others arrive as the result of illegal sex or employment trafficking. DYCD seeks to provide free legal services to assist these unaccompanied children to attain legal immigration status.
Resources:
For additional information or assistance, contact the Office of Immigrant Initiatives at 212-442-5267.
