I know and respect the Judges in Court 247th of Harris County, but this is a terrible decision.
SIJ status in immigration law is the ability for an unmarried person under 21 to sponsor themselves for a green card if they cannot be reunited with a parent in their home country due to abuse or neglect.
As a prerequisite, the child must obtain an order from the State Court finding abuse and that reunification is not possible.
Federal immigration law defines a “child” as under 21. Texas state law usually defines a “child” as under 18, but a Texas state court still has jurisdiction over a “child” past 18 if the child is still in high school.
This decision would appear to cripple the Texas court ability to do that and make it much harder. I think the Court got it wrong. If it has jurisdiction, it has jurisdiction. It is disingenuous to say otherwise.
https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5975bdcdadd7b0434968e5c3
