But in many cases, the children or their advocates can obtain a critical legal benefit that will help the children gain control in their lives and successfully transition to adulthood. The ILRC has advocated for the rights of abused immigrant children in county care since 1990. Immigrant children who have experienced abuse suffer the same emotional and physical problems as abused U.S. citizen children and often more. Added to the other insecurities facing them, immigrant youth without documentation will not be able to work legally or qualify for in-state tuition at college, and face the constant threat of deportation. In addition, the counties caring for the children will not qualify for federal foster care matching funds if the children remain undocumented.
Help is available.
The back of this flyer provides more information about the application requirements. Your clients need you to tell them about this application and, if they qualify, to help them apply as soon as possible. Children s counsel or county caseworkers can complete and submit the necessary paperwork. It is important to start early. Abused immigrant children who are not county dependents may still be eligible for immigration benefits.