U Visa
The U Visa provides temporary legal status and a pathway to permanent residency for those who have been victims of serious crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and more. It also allows you to work while your case is pending.
What is the U Visa?
The U Visa is a humanitarian relief option for non-citizens who have suffered physical or mental abuse from a qualifying crime and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If granted, it provides protection from deportation, work authorization, and can lead to permanent residency.
Qualifying Criminal Activities
Eligibility Requirements
- Victim of a qualifying crime in the U.S.
- Suffered substantial physical or mental harm.
- Willing to cooperate with law enforcement.
- Can apply regardless of immigration status.
Benefits of the U Visa
- Temporary legal status for up to 4 years
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Protection from deportation
- Path to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship
- Family members may also be eligible
Our experience will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you receive the protection and support you need. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward security and legal standing.
T Visa
The T Visa offers vital protection to victims of severe human trafficking, allowing them to stay in the U.S. temporarily while assisting law enforcement in trafficking investigations. It provides a path to safety, legal status, and, after three years, eligibility for a Green Card (permanent residency). T Visa holders can also apply for work authorization, access public benefits, and include eligible family members in their application. This visa enables survivors of trafficking to recover and build a secure future free from exploitation and fear of deportation.
Who Qualifies for a T Visa?
To be eligible for a T Visa, you must meet certain criteria as a victim of severe trafficking. You may qualify if:
- You are a victim of human trafficking, whether through sex trafficking or labor trafficking, where force, fraud, or coercion was used against you.
- You are currently in the United States as a result of trafficking or at a port of entry.
- You are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of traffickers, unless doing so would cause you harm.
- You would suffer extreme hardship if deported from the United States.
Additionally, certain family members of victims may be eligible for T Visa status to ensure their protection.
Benefits of the T Visa
The T Visa provides not only temporary protection from deportation but also several other significant benefits, including:
- Work Authorization You can apply for employment authorization to work legally in the U.S.
- Family Protection Qualifying family members may also be able to receive T Visa status to join you in the U.S.
- Pathway to a Green Card After three years, you may apply for permanent residency.
- Access to Public Benefits You may be eligible for certain federal and state benefits and services, which can help with your recovery and transition.
VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides critical protections for immigrant victims of domestic violence, including both men and women. It allows eligible individuals to apply for legal permanent residence (a green card) independently of their abuser.
Who Can Apply? VAWA applies to:
- Spouses who have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse.
- Children abused by a U.S. citizen or LPR parent.
- Parents abused by a U.S. citizen child.
- Abuse doesn't have to be physical—it can include emotional, psychological, financial, or verbal abuse.
How VAWA Can Help
The T Visa provides not only temporary protection from deportation but also several other significant benefits, including:
- Self-Petitioning for a Green Card Apply for legal residency without your abuser's involvement.
- Confidentiality Your petition is confidential, ensuring your safety.
- Work Authorization If approved, you may work while waiting for your green card.
- Protection from Removal VAWA can stop deportation if you're in removal proceedings.
What You Need to Prove:
- Evidence of abuse (physical or otherwise).
- A relationship to the abuser (spouse, parent, or child).
- Proof of good moral character and U.S. residency with the abuser.
- Documenting Abuse: Include personal statements, affidavits, medical records, or police reports. You do not need to file a police report or be separated from your abuser to apply.
VAWA is for both men and women. You don't have to face abuse alone legal help is available.
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status is a form of immigration protection for children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. If approved, this status can lead to a green card (lawful permanent residence), allowing the child to stay in the U.S. permanently.
Eligibility
- Be under 21 when you file the petition.
- Live in the U.S. at the time of filing—applications from outside the country are not allowed.
- Be unmarried when you apply and when your case is decided.
- Have a state juvenile court order—Some states allow court orders only until age 18; others up to age 21.
- Show good faith—the court order must be based on protection needs, not just to get immigration status.
- Get ORR consent if you're in federal custody and the court order changes your placement.
Process for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status:
Obtain a Juvenile Court Order
Get an order from a state juvenile court confirming abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and that SIJ status is in your best interests.
File Form I-360
Submit the petition for SIJ classification to USCIS.
Wait for Approval
Processing times vary.
Apply for a Green Card (Form I-485)
Once your I-360 is approved and a visa number is available, you can apply for permanent residency.
Green Card (Permanent Residence)
If USCIS approves your SIJ petition, you may be eligible to apply for a green card by filing Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status).
- If a visa is available, you can file Form I-360 and Form I-485 together.
- If a visa is not yet available, you must wait to file Form I-485 until one becomes available.
SIJ green cards fall under the employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) category. Visa availability may vary, so it’s important to check current visa bulletins or speak with an immigration attorney.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows individuals from countries experiencing unsafe conditions, like natural disasters or conflict, to remain temporarily in the U.S. while conditions in their home country improve.
Eligibility for TPS To qualify for TPS, applicants must:
- Be from a designated TPS country or have last habitually resided there.
- Have been continuously present in the U.S. since their country's TPS designation.
- Meet residency requirements and not have certain criminal convictions or security concerns.
Ineligibility Factors
- Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the U.S.
- Are found inadmissible under certain immigration grounds, including criminal and security-related factors.
- Fail to meet continuous physical presence and residence requirements.
- Do not apply within designated registration periods without meeting criteria for late initial filing.
Given the complexities and potential changes in TPS policies, it's advisable to consult with us to assess your eligibility and navigate the application process effectively.