Legal Question in Immigration Law in Massachusetts

is a 17 year old mom of three in jeapordy if she signs herself out of DSS

A client of mine is in custody of the Department of Social Services. She is a mother of three children. She has been in this country since she was the age of ten months old when her mom came here on a work visa but the work visa expired and they still stayed. She is under DSS custody because when her mom was deported for comitting a felony. She was left in the care of her stepfather at the age of 11 years old which she enured sexual abuse which resulted in three children. She already had two children and was pregnant with the third when the sexual abuse came to light. Department of social services took custody when she was 15 years old.She will be 18 next month and they want her to sign back on or she will be in jeapordy of being deported. This is what her social worker told her. She has her working papers and is in the process of obtaining her permanent residency card. Her children are U.S citizens. If she signs herself out of DSS custody when she turns 18 years of age can she be in jeapordy of being deported.And how long does it take to obtain a permanent residency card.


Asked on 10/19/05, 4:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Vincent Martin Hellmuth & Johnson PLLC

Re: is a 17 year old mom of three in jeapordy if she signs herself out of DSS

Once she receives her permanent residence, her situation with DSS should not have any effect on her immigration status. However, if her immigration status is based on her involvement with DSS, she may need to wait until she receives her permanent residence before leaving the DSS program.

The length of time that it takes for one to receive permanent residence varies, depending on the basis for the application (which was not specified in your message).

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Answered on 10/19/05, 4:45 pm


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