At JAMLAC, we stand with children who have been through more than most of us can imagine—those who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, and are now trying to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.
Until recently, one key protection helped these children stay safely in the country while their legal case moved forward. It gave them something all children deserve: stability—a chance to focus on school, build healthy routines, and simply be kids again.
But as of last week, that protection has been taken away. The federal government quietly ended a key protection within the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) process. For years, youth who had been approved for SIJS were granted what’s known as deferred action, a safeguard recognizing their vulnerable status and allowing them to apply for a work permit while their case progressed. This protection has now been eliminated. Moving forward, no new grants of deferred action will be issued, and youth who already have it will have no pathway to renew the deferred action protection & work permit.
Though the legal process remains, the loss of this safeguard means many children—some as young as four—now face renewed uncertainty. Even those who have already been approved for protection by a judge may no longer have a secure path to remain in the country or access the support they need.
These are not statistics—they are real children. Children who, through no fault of their own, are caught in the middle of legal and policy changes.
At JAMLAC, we believe in justice that protects the vulnerable, honors family, and gives every child a fair chance at life. That belief doesn’t waver—especially when the system does.
Because of your continued support, we are adjusting our strategies and standing firm in our mission: to walk with these children, advocate for their future, and help them find lasting hope.
Thank you for being part of this work.
—The JAMLAC Team