Cristian (17yo) from El Salvador, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum claim (Bronx, NY)

Cristian is a 17 year old from El Salvador. He lives in the Bronx, NY with his mother and step-father. His birth father has never been present in his life. He has never met him and has no contact with him. Cristian grew up with his grandmother in a town that was dominated by MS-13 gang members. His school was in the 18th Street gang territory. One day leaving school, he was beat up by seven 18th street gang members. He reported the incident to the police with his mom and was able to point out one of the gang members in the line-up. After he did that he began receiving death threats and so he stopped assisting with the prosecution. On another occasion, Cristian and his friend were shot at while passing through town. Cristian did not get hit, but his friend did and had to get medical attention. Cristian and his mother fled El Salvador after this. Cristian is scheduled for a Master Calendar Hearing in Immigration Court on August 5, 2020. He is eligible for SIJS and Asylum.