Lowey’s Pro Bono Granted Client United States Citizenship

Key Takeaways:

  • On October 10th, 2025, Noelle Forde successfully obtained a green card for her pro bono client, Maria
  • Noelle, on behalf of Maria, applied for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, which, once granted, allowed Maria to apply for a green card
  • Maria is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States
  • Lowey is honored to represent Maria and to give back to the community

Overview

On October 10, 2025, one of the firm’s pro bono clients, Maria, received her green card, granting her permanent resident status in the United States. Maria, represented by Noelle Forde, has been awaiting her green card since 2018.

Maria arrived in the United States from Guatemala alone as a minor. Kids in Need of Defense referred Maria’s case to Noelle, who applied on her behalf for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, otherwise known as SIJS. SIJS is a special status that provides a pathway for vulnerable children under 21 who were abandoned, neglected, or abused in their home countries to apply for permanent residency in the United States. Once granted SIJS, applicants are automatically eligible to apply for a green card.

The process is a long one and plagued by a mounting backlog. Applicants must first request that a state family court appoint a guardian for the minor. Only then may they apply for SIJS with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). As SIJS applicants arrive without a visa, they are also often simultaneously combating removal proceedings in federal immigration court.

As of March 1, 2023, more than 107,000 youths from 151 countries who had already obtained SIJS were still waiting for their green cards. As long as they await green cards, applicants remain in a state of limbo, unable to access programs such as federal student aid and federal healthcare, with limited protection from deportation.

Throughout her representation, Noelle and Maria made multiple appearances, motions, and applications in family court, immigration court, and to USCIS, before finally obtaining Maria’s green card. Now, with her green card, Maria is free to live and work in the United States.

The firm is proud to provide pro bono services to the community.

Congratulations, Maria and Noelle, on this accomplishment.

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