U VISA FOR THE VICTIMS OF CRIME

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is reserved for victims of certain crimes who faced mental or physical abuse. The affected victim can support law enforcement or government officials in investigating or prosecuting said criminal activity. 

The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) was created by Congress to support such people. 

The Act serves both, the law enforcement agencies as well as the affected. The target is to provide security and protection to the victims of the crime if they are willing to help the law enforcement agencies to restrict the criminals from repeating the activities with others. 

The common criminal acts in this category are domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens and other such crimes. Such crimes can destroy personalities as they impact the physical as well as psychological health of the victims. 

You might be eligible for the U nonimmigrant visa category if:

• You are the victim of criminal activity.
• You endured considerable physical or mental mistreatment as a victim of criminal activity.
• You have information about criminal activity. If you are under 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, your parent, guardian, or next friend may provide the information about the crime on your behalf. 
• You were, are, or can be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. Suppose you are one of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability. In that case, your parent, guardian, or next friend may provide the information about the crime on your behalf.
• The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
• You shall be placed on a waiting list if the above applications are received before your application. However, you will be granted deferred action or parole and are eligible to apply for work authorization meanwhile visas are available.

After the underlying petition for U nonimmigrant status is approved, an employment authorization document is immediately issued without the need to file.

We help guide clients through the immigration process.  Call us today for an appointment with our immigration attorneys.