When an undocumented immigrant becomes a victim of a crime, they are unlikely to report the crime out of fear of being removed or deported from the United States. A U visa gives victims of specific crimes the protection to remain in the United States, while also assisting in the prosecution of their perpetrator.
If you or someone you love is afraid of reporting a crime due to your citizenship status, contact Family Visa. You deserve to feel safe when reporting a crime, regardless of your status, and Michigan family immigration lawyers can help you take the steps to obtain a U visa. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation.
What Is a U Visa?
A U visa, also known as U nonimmigrant status, allows victims of specific crimes who suffered significant mental or physical abuse to remain in the United States and help law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of their perpetrators.
Benefits of a U Visa
Once a U visa is approved, you will gain temporary immigration status, which allows you to work in the U.S., temporary status for qualifying family members, and the option of becoming a lawful and permanent resident (or green-card holder). With a U visa, you will be able to hold your perpetrator accountable for their wrongdoing while having the assurance that you are protected from any legal action to be taken against you.
Who Can Apply for a U Visa?
Are You Eligible?
To apply for a U nonimmigrant visa, you must:
- Be a victim of a qualifying crime or criminal activity
- Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse because of the victimization
- Have information pertaining to the criminal activity
- Have helped, are helping, or will likely help law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime
- Be admissible to the United States
(If are not admissible, you can temporarily enter the U.S. by applying for a waiver through Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant).
In addition, the crime must have occurred in the United States or been in violation of U.S. laws.
What Constitutes Qualifying Crime or Criminal Activity?
The following crimes qualify for the U visa application. However, these are general categories, and similar crimes that violate federal, state, or local laws may also be considered. This also includes the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes.
- Abduction
- Abusive Sexual Contact
- Being Held Hostage
- Blackmail
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- False Imprisonment
- Felonious Assault
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Fraud in Foreign Labor
- Contracting
- Incest
- Involuntary Servitude
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Obstruction of Justice
- Peonage
- Perjury
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Exploitation
- Slave Trade
- Stalking
- Torture
- Trafficking
- Witness Tampering
- Unlawful Criminal
- Restraint
Contact an Immigration Lawyer Today
Applying for a U visa requires several steps, including completing multiple forms, a personal statement describing the criminal activity you were a victim of, and providing evidence to show that you qualify for one of the listed crimes. The U visa attorneys at Family Visa specialize in U visas, and can help go through the process of obtaining one with more ease and protect your rights. Contact us today to find out how we can help.