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SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) STATUS

Children and youth under the age of 21 who are unmarried, entered the U.S. without both parents or without a legal guardian may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and have special protections under the law, including work authorization and a pathway to citizenship. SIJ status protects youth who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Matthew has years of experience in successfully protecting children by representing them in state court proceedings and petitioning before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to help them obtain SIJ status.

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REMOVAL/DEPORTATION DEFENSE

We represent individuals currently in removal proceedings in immigration court in Seattle or Tacoma and those detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) seeking release on bond or Writs of Habeas Corpus. We help those seeking asylum, withholding of removal, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, as well as those whose rights were violated when they were apprehended by immigration officials.

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HUMANITARIAN IMMIGRATION

We protect people fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking, exploitation, crime victims, or those who came to the U.S. due to persecution. These cases are often complex and emotionally difficult. With our expertise, we approach each case with compassion, look to maintain your dignity, and keep you informed throughout the entire legal process. We provide legal services to help you obtain legal status, safety, and long-term stability if you qualify for one of the following forms of humanitarian immigration relief:

Asylum

For individuals who fear returning to their home country due to persecution or harm based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. We help individuals prepare strong applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and strong cases before the court if you are in removal proceedings.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Self-Petitions

VAWA create a special route to lawful immigration status for survivors of domestic abuse who normally must rely on their abusers to file for status for them and allows them to file without the abuser’s knowledge. This includes spouses, children, or parents of abusive U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

U Visas

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is for survivors of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials (or are willing to help) in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

T Visas

The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (T Visa) enables certain survivors of labor or sex trafficking to remain in the U.S. who are physically present in the U.S. as a result of the trafficking, and are willing to assist law enforcement.