A Jenner & Block team successfully represented a long-standing pro bono client through a naturalization process that resulted in approved US citizenship.
Our client has lived in the United States with her mother since she was two years old. The client is legally deaf, and cochlear implants have given her some limited speaking and hearing capabilities; she is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Her father was never involved in her life, and it was based on his abandonment of her that Jenner first stepped in to help her assist her in obtaining legal status in the United States.
At that time, the team secured Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for our client, an immigration classification available to minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned, and subsequently obtained a green card on her behalf. The firm maintained its relationship with the client over the years and continued to support her as she became eligible for citizenship.
The Jenner team guided the client throughout the naturalization application process, coordinated ASL interpretation services, and represented her at a USCIS interview where her request for citizenship was ultimately granted. For her mother, the moment marked the culmination of years of support: "Words aren't enough to show how much I appreciate the things you guys have done for my daughter," she said. "From the bottom of my heart — thank you."
The Jenner team included Partner Michael Ross and former Associate Lulu Zhang.
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