Individuals who are already in the U.S. may qualify for different forms of legal relief and protections. This can include being granted legal status and long-term residence in the U.S. Forms of legal relief include: 

• Asylum: Granted to individuals who can’t return to their home country or are afraid to do so due to war, persecution, or violence 
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Granted to individuals who can’t safely return home due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary situations 
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS): Granted to immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents 
• T Visa: Granted to victims of human trafficking 
• U Visa: Granted to victims of certain crimes 
• Family-based petitions 
  
  

Applying for any type of legal relief is a complicated process, and families and children should consult with an attorney and obtain legal representation. 

The resources in this section walk through the various qualifications and processes for each of the legal relief options.