Houston U & T Visas lawyers
U & T Visas in Houston
Are you a victim of a serious crime or human trafficking, seeking protection and justice in the United States? The U and T visas offer pathways to safety and legal status for individuals who have suffered unimaginable hardships. At the Law Office of Rosemary Vega, we use our decades of experience to assist victims of crime and human trafficking in securing U and T visas, providing legal guidance and compassionate support throughout the process.
Understanding U & T Visas
The U visa, also known as the "U nonimmigrant status," is designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Meanwhile, the T visa, or "T nonimmigrant status," provides protection to victims of human trafficking who have been subjected to severe forms of trafficking and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Both U and T visas offer temporary legal status and employment authorization to eligible individuals and their qualifying family members. Additionally, they provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency (green card) for those who meet certain requirements, offering a sense of security and stability to victims of crime and trafficking.
Requirements for U & T Visas
To qualify for a U visa, also known as the "U nonimmigrant status," individuals must meet the following requirements:
Victim of Qualifying Crime: The applicant must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity, which includes but is not limited to domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, and felonious assault.
Suffering Mental or Physical Abuse: The victim must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse due to the qualifying crime.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement: The applicant must have information about the crime and be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. This cooperation typically involves providing information, testimony, or other assistance to law enforcement agencies.
Admissibility: The applicant must meet the admissibility requirements for admission to the United States or be granted a waiver of any grounds of inadmissibility.
For a T visa, also known as the "T nonimmigrant status," individuals must meet the following requirements:
Victim of Human Trafficking: The applicant must have been a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, which involves acts such as recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion.
Physical Presence in the United States: The victim must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry due to trafficking.
Compliance with Law Enforcement: Similar to the U visa, the applicant must be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking crimes.
Extreme Hardship: The applicant must demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if they were removed from the United States.
Both U and T visas offer temporary legal status and work authorization to eligible individuals and their qualifying family members. Additionally, they provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency (green card) for those who meet certain requirements.
U & T Visa Immigration Attorney
Being the victim of a crime is a life-altering experience. In the aftermath of such trauma, survivors deserve support, protection, and justice. Sadly, the added burden of navigating the immigration system and worrying about visa eligibility sometimes compounds the distress and uncertainty faced by victims. This is where an immigration attorney can make a world of difference.
By enlisting the assistance of a legal professional who is experienced in immigration law, victims of crime can receive the guidance and support they need to pursue relief and protection through avenues such as U and T visas. At the Law Office of Rosemary Vega, our compassionate team understands the profound impact of crime victimization and offers comprehensive legal assistance to those in need. Here's how we can help.
Case Evaluation: We offer a thorough evaluation of your circumstances to determine your eligibility for a U or T visa. Your attorney will assess the details of your case, review supporting documentation, and provide honest and informed guidance regarding your options.
Application Preparation: Our experienced legal team will assist you in preparing and filing your U or T visa application with precision and care. We will ensure that all required forms are completed accurately, and supporting evidence is gathered to strengthen your case.
Advocacy and Representation: Throughout the visa application process, our attorneys will advocate on your behalf, representing your interests and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise. We will accompany you to interviews, hearings, and other proceedings, providing steadfast support and guidance every step of the way.
Don't navigate the complexities of the immigration system alone. If you're a victim of crime seeking protection and justice through a U or T visa, trust the Law Office of Rosemary Vega to be your ally and advocate. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards safety and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
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U and T visas are special nonimmigrant visas available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement agencies in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
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Victims of qualifying crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes, may be eligible for a U visa if they have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse because of the crime and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
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To apply for a U visa, individuals must submit Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must also provide evidence of their eligibility, including a certification from a law enforcement agency confirming their cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
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Victims of human trafficking, including those who have been subjected to involuntary servitude, peonage, or forced labor, may be eligible for a T visa if they are physically present in the United States because of trafficking and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the traffickers.
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To apply for a T visa, individuals must submit Form I-914 (Application for T Nonimmigrant Status) to USCIS. They must also provide evidence of their eligibility, including a certification from a law enforcement agency or other qualified authority confirming their status as a victim of trafficking and their willingness to assist in the investigation or prosecution of the traffickers.
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U and T visa holders may be granted temporary legal status in the United States, as well as employment authorization and access to certain public benefits. After a certain period, they may also be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) if they meet additional requirements.
