When Special Immigrant Juveniles and Trial Courts Intersect: The Value of Data-Informed Case Management

Abstract

In recent years, the United States experienced a large influx of unaccompanied alien children (UAC). While state courts do not adjudicate the immigration status of UAC, depending on the circumstances, courts may find themselves involved in the process by which UAC seek immigration relief. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a designation under the US Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990 to assist such children obtain temporary immigration relief and possibly lawful permanent residency. Obtaining SIJS requires specific factual findings to be made by a state juvenile court in a predicate order. The influx of UAC has resulted in increases in cases with SIJS requests experienced by state courts nationwide. This article describes a Maryland trial court’s evolving approach to the management of these cases and the use of data to inform and guide that evolution.

Keywords

• Case Management, SIJS, Performance Management, Performance Measurement