U-Visa For Undocumented Immigrants Who Are Victims of Crimes |
According to USCIS - undocumented immigrants who are victims of Crimes have the chance to stay in the U.S. legally through U-Visa. This is a Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act, enacted in October 2000. This visa is provided to serve as an incentive for immigrants to speak up through applying for a U-VISA. This special visa can lead to citizenship. Immigrants must have to report and cooperate with the law enforcement agency to investigate the crime.
It is available to noncitizens who 1) have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse resulting from a wide range of criminal activity2) have been helpful, are being helpful or are likely to be helpful with the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The U visa provides eligible immigrants with authorized stay in the United States and employment authorization.On April 10, 2008, the USCIS announced that, at least for now, it will not be terminating interim relief for aliens and that it will continue to accept petitions for U nonimmigrant status at any time. USCIS backtracked and said there is no such deadline and it will not be evaluating previously granted interim relief such as grants of deferred action, parole, and stays of removal—at least until further notice.
Those who obtain U nonimmigrant status can stay in the United States for up to four years, and may be accompanied by their spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18, and parents. A total of 10,000 U-visas are available each fiscal year (although the cap does not apply to eligible family members).
IF YOU ARE MARRIED TO AN ABUSIVE U.S. CITIZEN OR NON- CITIZEN SPOUSE AND YOUR PETITION IS STILL PENDING, U-VISA IS FOR YOU.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP. TRY TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL IMMIGRATION ADVOCATE CENTERS OR FIND A LAWYER TO DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION.
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