Juvenile/domestic rel. district cts.; petition, noncitizen aged 18-21 years for leg. custody/relief.

This legislation provides a clear legal pathway for noncitizens between the ages of 18 and 21 to petition the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts for special immigrant juvenile status. By extending the jurisdiction of these courts, the bill ensures that young adults who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned can seek the necessary judicial findings required to apply for federal immigration relief. For Arlington’s diverse immigrant community, this change simplifies a complex legal process, offering vulnerable young people a more accessible route to stability and protection. By formalizing this age range within state law, the Commonwealth aligns its court procedures with federal standards, ultimately helping more local youth secure a legal pathway to remain safely in the United States while pursuing their educational and professional goals.