Failures in the Special Immigrant Juvenile Program

On July 24, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an official report exposing significant vulnerabilities in the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Program. The document analyzes over 300,000 applications submitted between fiscal year 2013 and February 2025 and reveals irregularities related to identity fraud, criminal backgrounds, and potential national security risks.

Also read: “United States Launches Historic Investment in Rural Health with New Federal Law”

The SIJ program was created to protect immigrant minors who have been victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect and who have been placed under judicial custody in the U.S. However, the report details how some adults, as well as individuals with criminal records or gang affiliations, have gained access to immigration benefits due to system control failures.

Among the most relevant findings:

• Over 50% of applicants in fiscal year 2024 were older than 18 at the time of application.
• Cases of age and identity fraud were detected, including falsified names, birthdates, and nationalities.
• More than 850 applicants were known or suspected members of gangs such as MS-13, 18th Street (Calle 18), Tren de Aragua, and Sureños and Norteños groups.
• Over 600 MS-13 members submitted applications, and at least 500 of those were approved.

These data raise concerns about the security screening processes, especially considering that current law does not consider criminal backgrounds as grounds for disqualification from SIJ benefits.

In response to these findings, USCIS revoked the automatic deferred action policy for individuals granted SIJ classification in June 2025 and is evaluating new measures to improve the integrity of the program. The goal is to strengthen control mechanisms without compromising the protection of minors who truly need the benefit.

The report suggests that revisions to the program are necessary to ensure it continues to fulfill its humanitarian purpose without being exploited by individuals who may pose a threat to public safety.

From: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-report-uncovers-significant-abuses-in-the-special-immigrant-juvenile-program port-uncovers-significant-abuses-in-the-special-immigrant-juvenile-program 

For more information on these topics, visit Paralegal Clases’ social media pages and join our live sessions every Wednesday.

Instagram:   @Paralegalclases
Facebook:   Instituto Paralegal de las Américas
Youtube:   Instituto Paralegal
Tiktok:   @Paralegalnews