SOCIAL JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE’S TASK FORCE ACHIEVES REMARKABLE SUCCESS IN ONLY SIX MONTHS, PROVIDING A FREE AND SAFE PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH

Berkeley, California — Aug 17, 2023

Social Justice Collaborative, a leading non-profit dedicated to protecting the rights of immigrants, refugees, and undocumented youth in the Bay Area, celebrates a momentous milestone as its innovative task force achieves extraordinary success within its first months of operation.

Since its founding in January of 2023, SJC’s Special Immigrant Juvenile Status “SIJS” task force has filed 65 applications for minors that were on waiting lists for a long time.

The Task Force's commitment to staying ahead of county procedures and strategizing to overcome challenges has resulted in transformative success, benefiting the community at large.

One of the Task Force's key strategies is the early preparation of the Juvenile Visa Application for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). By streamlining the process and anticipating administrative changes, the team significantly reduces turnaround times, allowing young individuals to secure their future rapidly and efficiently.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH TO SECURE SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS?

It is alarming that immigrant minors facing deportation still do not have the right to a publicly funded attorney for their hearings. 

With the invaluable support of dedicated attorneys and a specialized task force by their side, providing free legal representation and prioritizing their well-being until they reach adulthood, the positive impact on the quality of life for these young individuals becomes evident.

Minors secure a pathway to citizenship, gain access to free health care services, education, housing, and also benefit from Deferred Action, which allows them to obtain work permits and social security numbers.

““The impact on the community is paramount and it goes beyond numerical records, We are ensuring that the young undocumented community is no longer seen as a minority but as an empowered collective.””

— — said Enrique Jimenez, Supervisor of the new Special Immigrant Juvenile Status task force.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status paves the way for minors to become Legal Permanent Residents, fulfilling the ultimate objective of the SIJS Task Force.

SJC's vital assistance reaches young immigrants in 10+ counties across the Bay Area, empowering them to overcome legal challenges and build a stable future.

Regarding strategic objectives, the SIJS Task Force goes beyond protocols. The team takes initiative and continually strives to achieve additional goals, such as streamlining document preparation and procedures with new clients and maintaining consistent communication with clients to increase trust and with relevant authorities such as State Courts and USCIS.

Another key aspect of the SIJS Task Force's success is the members' adaptability to rapidly respond to changes and challenges posed by the system is crucial. The ability to adjust plans and strategies as needed and seize emerging opportunities serves as a significant indicator of success.

Key accomplishments of the taskforce over the past six months include:

• Successful applications of SIJS status for at least 65 individuals

• Family reunification

• Interinstitutional collaboration

• Advocacy and education, for clients to be aware of their legal rights

What sets the task force apart is not solely its rapid success, but the profound, life-altering impact it has had on undocumented youth. Through the elimination of financial barriers, personalized legal assistance, and a safe environment, the task force has instilled newfound confidence and resilience in these young individuals.

In the 11 years of Social Justice Collaborative, at least 2,000 young individuals, under the age of 21, have benefited from this Special Immigrant Juvenile status and subsequently applied for permanent residency. The new Task Force aims to grow that impact exponentially.

Social Justice Collaborative invites journalists, community leaders, and concerned citizens to join them in commemorating this exceptional milestone. An event will be held on October 10th, providing an opportunity to witness the transformative power of the task force's work firsthand. Attendees will have the chance to meet the remarkable individuals whose lives have been forever changed by SJC’s support.

To learn more about the SIJS Task Force and its transformative work, please join us in celebrating this milestone at our 11th Anniversary Fiesta on October 10th:

 BIT.LY/SJC11FIESTA