Dealing with immigration issues can be stressful. People who are not U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or holders of another type of visa may have problems that seem impossible to overcome if they are also victims of a crime. However, depending on the specific circumstances, these people may be eligible for a special type of visa called the U nonimmigrant status visa, commonly referred to as the U visa.
If you were a victim of a crime, a McMinnville U Visa lawyer can help you learn about this visa program and determine if you are eligible to apply. Call to speak with an experienced immigration attorney at Youngblood & Associates.
U Nonimmigrant Status
In October 2000, Congress first created the U nonimmigrant status visa as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The visa program was specifically designed to help people who have suffered mental or physical abuse due to certain types of criminal activity and help law enforcement or government officials investigate or prosecute that criminal activity. Many different types of criminal activity qualify, including:
- Domestic violence
- Human trafficking
- Sexual assault
- Extortion
- Blackmail
- Conspiracy
- Solicitation
- Other related crimes
The U Visa program helps both the victims of crimes and law enforcement agencies because people with questionable immigration status are often scared to cooperate with law enforcement due to their fear of deportation or other consequences. With a U visa, the crime victim’s anxieties about their immigration status are eased, allowing them to focus on cooperating more fully with ongoing investigations or court cases.
A McMinnville U Visa attorney can guide someone through the application process and help ensure that all necessary documents, including law enforcement certifications, are correctly submitted.
U Visa Temporary Benefits
A U Visa provides many temporary benefits to crime victims, such as:
Temporary Immigration Status for Themselves
The U Visa holder will receive temporary immigration status, including work authorization. This is helpful for people who have been abducted or are victims of domestic violence and need to work to be able to support themselves so that they do not have to rely on an abuser.
Temporary Immigration Status for Family Members
The U Visa holder may be able to obtain temporary immigration status for their qualifying family members, enabling victims to reunite with trusted relatives, including a spouse, parents, or unmarried children under the age of 21.
Possibility of Permanent Resident Status
The U Visa provides the possibility of obtaining lawful permanent resident status, which is of critical importance for people who are victims of human trafficking or other related crimes.
A dedicated U Visa lawyer in McMinnville can help navigate the process of applying for a Green Card, ensuring that victims can achieve the stability of lawful permanent residency and the ability to plan for the future without the fear of deportation.
Reach Out to a McMinnville U Visa Attorney for Help
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, the U visa program may be able to help. However, getting good advice about the program is very important. The correct application papers must be filed, including a signed certification from a law enforcement official that contains details about the criminal activity and how the U visa applicant assisted or will assist during investigation, prosecution, or sentencing. You may have to pass a background check, provide proof of identity such as a birth certificate, or hand in information about your travel history.
To find out if you are eligible, contact a McMinnville U visa lawyer at Youngblood & Associates. Our qualified attorneys can discuss your personal situation and, if you qualify for the program, help make sure that you have the correct documents for your application. If your U Visa is granted, you may be able to find a new job, bring qualifying family members to the United States with you, and even obtain a Green Card.
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