Recently, Sulma Mendoza, JAMLAC’s Immigration Director, shared a story that captures what justice looks like in action—and what it takes behind the scenes to make it possible.
A young client came to JAMLAC with very little time left. He was about to turn 21 in April—an age that would close the door on his ability to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a critical protection for vulnerable youth.
There was an additional challenge: a previous attorney, outside of JAMLAC, had made an error in the predicate orders required for his case. If the issue was not corrected immediately, this young person would lose his opportunity for stability, protection, and lawful status in the United States.
There was no time to wait.
Sulma partnered with JAMLAC’s Family Law team, JAMLAC Paralegal Claudia Mendoza and Attorney Jose Escobar, to act quickly. Understanding the urgency and what was at stake, the team worked with diligence and precision to correct the issue and ensure everything was properly in place before the deadline.
Because of this coordinated effort, Sulma was able to submit the corrected documents just in time—preserving this young person’s eligibility to apply for SIJS before aging out.
While the final decision is still pending, this case reflects how timely legal intervention can prevent devastating outcomes for young people. By protecting access to this critical pathway, the team helped keep the door open to safety, stability, and a future with greater opportunity.