Paul, Weiss Files Amicus Brief On Behalf of Immigrant Children

In a case of first impression for the New York Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, Paul, Weiss submitted an amicus brief recently on behalf of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). The brief was in support of an appeal of a Family Court denial of a petition for special findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Under SIJS, unaccompanied child immigrants who face harm if they are returned to their home country may be granted legal permanent residence in the U.S. 

KIND’s brief urges the court to follow precedent set by the First and Second Departments and to grant the petition for special findings, a prerequisite to obtaining SIJS status. The brief argues that the SIJS statute was meant to protect orphaned children such as the appellant, and that Family Court judges should focus on the child’s best interest and leave immigration determinations to federal authorities.

The Paul, Weiss team included litigation partner Jacqueline Rubin and associates Holly VanderSluis and Eunice Leong; pro bono associate BJ Jensen; pro bono coordinator Chelsea Sahai; and summer associate David Rolla.