Crime victim?  You may be eligible for immigration status

Crime victim?  You may be eligible for immigration status The U visa was created by Congress for crime victims and their families.  10,000 U visas are available every year.  There are 27 qualifying crimes.  Victims of the following crimes may be eligible for U non-immigrant status:  domestic violence, felonious criminal…

Crime victim?  You may be eligible for immigration status

The U visa was created by Congress for crime victims and their families.  10,000 U visas are available every year.  There are 27 qualifying crimes.  Victims of the following crimes may be eligible for U non-immigrant status:  domestic violence, felonious criminal assault, blackmail, prostitution, rape, human trafficking and related crimes.

U status does not just give work authorization but, after having the status for three years, can result in Lawful Permanent Residence.  Congress’ intention in developing the U was not just to protect victims of crimes but to help law enforcement investigate crimes and prosecute criminals.  Doing so also results in safer communities.

Victims do not need to be in lawful immigration status to qualify for the U but must first secure a Form I-129B (available at uscis.gov) certified by law enforcement (sheriff deputy, police officer, judge or prosecutor, for example).  Obtaining the certification, however, can be the most difficult part of the process for some victims who must also prove that they suffered physical or mental abuse, possess information about the crime that has been or could be useful in an investigation.

For victims under 21, qualifying relatives include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried brothers and sisters under 18.  For those victims 21 or over, qualifying relatives include spouses and unmarried children under 21.

In addition to the U, the T visa was created for victims of trafficking.  Victims of domestic violence by US citizen or permanent resident spouses, children, or parents may be eligible to file for residency under the Violence Against Women Act.

For more information about immigration benefits for crime victims, visit  http://www.uscis.gov/tools/humanitarian-benefits-based-resources/resources-victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes ,or call USCIS at 800 375 5283 or an attorney experienced in immigration matters.

Attorney Elizabeth Ricci concentrates on immigration law.  She is the managing partner of Rambana & Ricci, PLLC in Tallahassee.  She can be reached at 850 224 4529.

Publicaciones relacionadas

Ilustración de una persona relajada en una silla, sosteniendo un teléfono inteligente y con los pies sobre un escritorio. Una pantalla de computadora muestra gráficos y notas adhesivas adheridas a su alrededor. La persona está rodeada de pilas de libros y parece tranquila.

Productividad impresionante… ¿o es falsa productividad?

Reading Time: 2:21 min

Productividad impresionante… ¿o es falsa productividad? Por Jessica Burns, 21 de octubre de 2024, Express Employment Professionals, Express Blog La productividad de los empleados, que es fundamental para impactar en…

View post
La imagen muestra el logotipo de Edward Jones, con "Edward" en letra minúscula serif y "Jones" en letra mayúscula serif en negrita, ambos en gris oscuro, sobre un fondo amarillo brillante. El diseño refleja sutilmente su compromiso de ayudar a los clientes a invertir de manera inteligente.

FINANCIAL FOCUS – Younger workers face financial gaps     

Reading Time: 3:18 min

FINANCIAL FOCUS – Younger workers face financial gaps      This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Janet Marshall your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor at 334-405-0786. If you’re…

View post
Infografía titulada "Lo que debe saber sobre la diabetes tipo 1.5". En ella se destaca que esta afección también se conoce como diabetes autoinmune latente en adultos (LADA). Presenta ilustraciones de tres personas, una de las cuales se destaca con "30 años", que representa el rango de edad típico afectado por la diabetes tipo 1.5.

La historia de Carlos: diabetes tipo 1.5 (LADA) (Honduras)

Reading Time: 5:46 min

La historia de Carlos: diabetes tipo 1.5 (LADA) (Honduras) Paciente: Carlos, 45 años Ubicación: Tegucigalpa, Honduras Tipo de diabetes: tipo 1.5 (diabetes autoinmune latente en adultos o LADA) Antecedentes: A…

View post