The “U visa,” also known as U nonimmigrant status, is an option for victims of crimes who have suffered significant physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement officials in the investigation of the criminal activity of which they are a victim. In some cases, U visas are also available to the immediate family members of these crime victims.
The U visa was created in 2000 by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The law is intended to help law enforcement agencies better prosecute crimes while protecting the rights of crime victims in California and elsewhere.
U visas may be available to victims of crimes including abduction, sexual abuse, blackmail, domestic violence, extortion, false imprisonment, female genital mutilation, felonious assault, fraud in foreign labor contracting, hostage-taking, incest, involuntary servitude, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, obstruction of justice, perjury, prostitution, rape, slave trafficking, stalking, witness tampering and unlawful criminal restraint.
Immigration Support And Visas For Victims Of Crime
There are six legal requirements for U nonimmigrant status:
- The applicant must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity.
- The applicant must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of these criminal activities.
- The applicant must have information concerning that criminal activity.
- The applicant must have been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
- The criminal activity occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
- The applicant is admissible to the United States under current U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Apply For A U Visa With An Experienced Immigration Lawyer's Help
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Vivian N. Szawarc represent clients who have immigrated to the United States from all over the world, and our goal is to keep your life running smoothly for as long as you would like to remain in this country.
To see how we can help in your case, contact us online or call us at 888-666-8820 to schedule a free initial consultation in our Los Angeles office.
