Welcome to the Youth Hub!

Are you a youth who has applied for special immigrant juvenile status and are still waiting for your turn to apply for your green card? Below you will find information about the SIJS backlog, deferred action, and higher education resources for undocumented students.

There are many ways for impacted youth to get involved in our work! From meeting with members of Congress to ask them to end the backlog, to attending one of our community gatherings or working group meetings or by staying engaged with our social media platforms, the Coalition needs your voice! 

To learn more about ways to get involved with the End SIJS Backlog Coalition and connect with other youth, fill out our interest form!

If you have any questions or would like to see additional resources on this page, you can contact the coalition’s Youth Organizer at alejandra@nipnlg.org or (202) 216-8262. 

Youth Resources

Latest News

Deferred Action Termination

On June 6, 2025, the Trump Administration put an end to the SIJS Deferred Action Policy. The End SIJS Backlog Coalition stands in solidarity with SIJS youth everywhere. We will continue to push forward alongside you for your right to remain safely in the United States. Continue below to find ways to get involved with the coalition and to make your voice heard.

Deferred Action Resources

Read through below to learn more about how the end of the Deferred Action Policy change may impact you.

  • Your deferred action and your work authorization are still valid until they expire, unless you receive a notice of termination. According to USCIS, you will not be able to renew your SIJS deferred action or work permit when they expire.

  • It is not clear.

    The June 6 policy alert states that USCIS will not be accepting new applications for work permits from SIJS youth granted deferred action. Because the policy is so new, we do not yet know if USCIS will make decisions on work permit applications that were pending before June 6.

  • Because the Trump administration has put an end to the SIJS Deferred Action policy, there are no new Deferred Action approvals happening at this time.

  • USCIS is no longer granting deferred action for newly approved SIJS youth. This means you will also not be eligible to apply for a SIJS deferred action work permit at this time.

Understanding SIJS Resources

How to check your case online for special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) on the USCIS website

Below is a guide and a video on how to check the status of your case online.

  • 1st step: Visit this website https://www.uscis.gov

  • 2nd step: Click where it says “tools” at the top right-hand corner.

  • 3rd step: Scroll down to where it says “Case status online,” then click on it.

  • 4th step: Here you will see a blank asking to enter your receipt number. Your receipt number should start with the letters MSC on your SIJS petition receipt or approval notice (Form I-797).

Title: I‘ve Filed My Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status! NOW WHAT? Congratulations! You have filed your petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”)! But now... you are waiting. There are two steps in the SIJS process that requ
Title: While I'm in the backlog, can I… Get a work permit? Unfortunately, your SIJS Petition must be approved (wait #1 above) before you can apply for a work permit. But fortunately, once you are in wait #2, with an approved SIJS Petition, you can ap

Higher Education Resources

There are several different paths impacted youth can take after high school. We recommend checking out these educational resources to help you assess your options for continuing your education after high school.

Informed Immigrant

A digital hub with an accessible resources library and information for the undocumented community in the United States.

Immigrants Rising

An organization that offers support and resources for undocumented students in California and on a national scale.

Higher Ed Immigration Portal

This portal is an online hub of resources that has tuition and financial aid information for all 50 states.

Scholarship Resources

SIJS youth do not qualify for federal financial aid, thus making it challenging to afford higher education. Scholarships provide an alternative source of funding and help break down financial barriers. Below you will find links for national scholarships and scholarship databases.

  • USAHello has a scholarship page that lists national and state scholarships, scholarships that are specific by fields of learning and ones that are specific by nationalities and groups.

  • Immigrants Rising has a list of scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship. Make sure to search for scholarships that allow any immigration status as some scholarships listed may require DACA or TPS status.

  • Golden Door Scholars is a financial aid program open to undocumented students in the United States. High school seniors, recent high school graduates, and current college students are eligible for this program.

To learn more about ways to get involved with the End SIJS Backlog Coalition and connect with other youth, fill out our interest form!

If you have any questions or would like to see additional resources on this page, you can contact the coalition’s Youth Organizer at alejandra@nipnlg.org or (202) 216-8262.