U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a new report exposing serious national security risks and widespread abuse in the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program. The findings, published on July 24, 2025, reveal that hundreds of gang members, violent criminals, and even suspected terrorists have used the SIJ pathway to gain lawful permanent residence and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. This report has sparked urgent debate about the future of The SIJ program, which was originally designed to protect abused, neglected, or abandoned children.
The SIJ program, created by Congress in 1990, was meant to offer a lifeline to vulnerable children who cannot reunite with their parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. However, the latest USCIS review, which examined over 300,000 SIJ petitions filed between 2013 and February 2025, uncovers alarming patterns of fraud and criminal exploitation. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these findings have triggered calls for immediate reforms to restore the program’s integrity and protect national security.
Key Findings: Criminal Exploitation and Fraud
The USCIS report, titled “Criminality, Gangs, and Program Integrity Concerns in Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions,” details several troubling trends:
- More than half of SIJ petitioners in fiscal year 2024 were over age 18, even though the program is intended for juveniles under 21.
- Many applicants entered the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection, bypassing standard border checks and raising concerns about weak screening.
- A significant number of SIJ petitioners came from countries flagged for national security concerns, suggesting that current vetting and anti-fraud measures are not strong enough.
- Widespread age and identity fraud was detected, including fake names, birth dates, and countries of citizenship.
Perhaps most concerning, the report identified 853 known or suspected gang members who filed SIJ petitions, with most of these applications approved. This group includes:
- Over 600 MS-13 gang members, with more than 500 approvals. At least 70 of these individuals face federal racketeering charges, and many others are charged with violent crimes in the United States 🇺🇸.
- More than 100 members of the 18th Street gang received approvals.
- At least three Tren de Aragua gang members and dozens of Sureños and Norteños gang members were also approved.
USCIS spokesman Matthew J. Tragesser stated, “Criminal aliens are infiltrating the U.S. through a program meant to protect abused, neglected, or abandoned alien children. This report exposes how the open border lobby and activist judges are exploiting loopholes in the name of aiding helpless children.”
Recent Policy Changes: Tightening the SIJ Program
In response to these findings, USCIS has already taken steps to tighten the SIJ program. On June 6, 2025, the agency rescinded the policy of automatically granting deferred action—a form of temporary relief from removal and work authorization—to SIJ petitioners who are not eligible to adjust status due to visa unavailability. Now, SIJ classification alone does not guarantee deferred action or a work permit, making it harder for ineligible individuals to benefit from the program.
This policy change aims to close loopholes that allowed criminal aliens and gang members to remain in the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting for a green card. The Trump administration has indicated it is considering further actions to address these vulnerabilities, with a focus on restoring the SIJ program’s original purpose: protecting truly eligible juveniles.
Background: How the SIJ Program Works
The Special Immigrant Juvenile program was established to help children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment and cannot reunite with one or both parents. To qualify for SIJ status, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Be under 21 years old at the time of filing the petition.
- Be declared dependent on a juvenile court or placed in the custody of a state agency or individual appointed by the court.
- Show that reunification with one or both parents is not possible due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- Demonstrate that returning to their home country is not in their best interest.
Once a juvenile court makes these findings, the child can file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with USCIS. You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS Form I-360 page.
Importantly, there are no criminal bars or good moral character requirements for SIJ petition approval. This means that even individuals with criminal records or gang affiliations can, in theory, qualify for SIJ status if they meet the basic eligibility criteria.
USCIS must also “consent” to the grant of SIJ classification, which means the agency reviews whether the juvenile court order was primarily sought for immigration benefits or for genuine child welfare reasons. However, the new report suggests that this safeguard has not been enough to prevent abuse.
Implications for Immigrants, Families, and Communities
The revelations in the USCIS report have far-reaching consequences for several groups:
- Legitimate SIJ petitioners—children who truly need protection—now face stricter scrutiny and no longer receive automatic deferred action or work permits if visa numbers are unavailable. This could leave some vulnerable children in legal limbo while they wait for a green card.
- Immigration attorneys and juvenile courts must be more careful than ever to ensure that SIJ petitions meet all legal requirements. Any sign of fraud or non-compliance could result in denial or even criminal investigation.
- Law enforcement agencies support the crackdown, arguing that it will help keep gang members and violent criminals from gaining legal status and threatening public safety.
- Immigration advocates worry that increased restrictions could harm the very children the program was meant to protect, especially if legitimate cases are denied due to heightened suspicion or bureaucratic delays.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
USCIS officials argue that closing loopholes is essential for national security and the integrity of the immigration system. “We must ensure that the SIJ program serves its intended purpose and does not become a backdoor for criminals and gang members,” said a senior USCIS official.
Law enforcement agencies have welcomed the new measures. They point to the report’s evidence that criminal organizations like MS-13 have used the SIJ program to embed members in the United States 🇺🇸, sometimes after committing violent crimes.
On the other hand, immigration advocates caution against overcorrection. “We cannot let a few bad actors ruin a program that saves lives,” said an attorney who represents SIJ applicants. “Most children who apply for SIJ status have suffered real harm and deserve protection. We need reforms that target fraud and abuse without punishing innocent kids.”
Case Study: How Fraud Can Happen
Consider the case of a 19-year-old from a country flagged for national security concerns. He enters the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection and claims to be 17, using a fake birth certificate. He tells a juvenile court that he cannot reunite with his parents due to neglect. The court issues the required order, and he files Form I-360 with USCIS. If the agency does not catch the age or identity fraud, he could receive SIJ status and eventually a green card—even if he has a criminal background or gang ties.
This scenario, while not representative of all cases, illustrates how weaknesses in age verification and identity checks can be exploited. The new USCIS report suggests that such cases are not rare, and that stronger safeguards are needed.
Policy Solutions and Next Steps
To address the problems identified in the report, several solutions are being considered:
- Stronger age and identity verification: USCIS may require more robust documentation to prove age and identity, such as original birth records, DNA testing, or biometric checks.
- Enhanced screening for criminal and gang affiliations: The agency could work more closely with law enforcement to identify applicants with known ties to gangs or criminal organizations.
- Clearer eligibility criteria: Congress may consider amending the law to add criminal bars or good moral character requirements for SIJ petitioners.
- Better training for juvenile courts and immigration officers: Ensuring that all parties understand the legal requirements and warning signs of fraud can help prevent abuse.
USCIS is expected to update its Policy Manual and guidance documents to reflect these changes. Petitioners and their attorneys should review these resources regularly to stay informed about the latest rules and procedures.
What This Means for Current and Future SIJ Applicants
If you are a child who has suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment and are seeking protection through the SIJ program, it is more important than ever to provide honest, complete, and accurate information. Work with a trusted immigration attorney who understands the new requirements and can help you gather the necessary evidence.
If you are an attorney or advocate, make sure your clients understand the risks of providing false information. Fraudulent applications not only harm the applicant but also undermine the program for everyone.
For families and communities, these changes may mean longer wait times and more paperwork, but they also aim to ensure that only those who truly need protection receive it.
Looking Ahead: Legislative and Administrative Changes
Congress may soon take up legislation to clarify SIJ eligibility and close loopholes identified in the USCIS report. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about the program’s abuse, but they also recognize the need to protect vulnerable children.
USCIS will likely continue to refine its policies, with more focus on fraud detection, age verification, and coordination with law enforcement. The agency has already signaled that further policy changes are on the horizon.
For the latest updates, visit the USCIS Newsroom, which provides announcements, policy alerts, and enforcement news.
Conclusion: Balancing Protection and Security
The Special Immigrant Juvenile program remains a vital tool for protecting children who have nowhere else to turn. However, the recent USCIS report makes clear that the program’s integrity has been compromised by fraud and criminal exploitation. Restoring trust in the SIJ process will require a careful balance: protecting vulnerable children while closing the door to those who would abuse the system.
By strengthening screening, improving verification, and updating policies, USCIS and Congress can help ensure that the SIJ program fulfills its original purpose—offering safety and hope to children in need—while also safeguarding the United States 🇺🇸 from those who would use it for harm.
Learn Today
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) → A classification for vulnerable children abused or neglected, allowing them to seek permanent U.S. residence.
Deferred Action → Temporary relief from deportation and authorization to work, granted by USCIS under specific conditions.
Gang Member → An individual affiliated with organized criminal groups often involved in violent or illegal activities.
Form I-360 → USCIS petition used by certain immigrants, including SIJ applicants, to request special immigrant status.
Visa Unavailability → Occurs when no immigrant visas are immediately accessible, delaying adjustment of status for applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS uncovered alarming fraud and criminal abuse in the SIJ program, risking national security. New policies now restrict benefits for ineligible petitioners, aiming to protect vulnerable children while excluding gang affiliates exploiting immigration loopholes.
— By VisaVerge.com
