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If you missed the cutoff for DACA or were denied after applying, you might be feeling frustrated and stuck. The lack of a social security number or work permit can make life feel like it’s at a standstill. Today, I want to offer you some hope and guidance on alternative ways to secure your status in the U.S. without needing DACA.
Exploring Options Beyond Marriage
Firstly, as an immigration lawyer, I cannot advise you to get married for an immigration benefit. Marriage should be for love, and while it can have secondary benefits, it’s not a viable option for everyone. If you don’t want to get married or you’ve been advised that marriage is your only route to legal status, there are other avenues worth considering.
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U Visas and T Visas: What You Need to Know
Two potential options are the U Visa and the T Visa. You may have heard of the U Visa, which is for immigrants who have been victims of violent crime in the U.S. and have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation of the crime. This usually involves reporting the crime and assisting the police.
However, today I want to focus on the T Visa. The T Visa is robust, diverse, and can be a very helpful tool for many people.
The T Visa: A Powerful Tool
The T Visa is available to individuals who have been victims of severe forms of trafficking, which can include labor trafficking and not just sex trafficking. This means if you’ve been forced to work under exploitative conditions, you might qualify. The process for obtaining a T Visa is immediate compared to the U Visa, which can take upwards of 15 to 20 years due to the quota being reached every year. Historically, the T Visa quota has never been reached, meaning the process is faster.
Scenarios for T Visa Eligibility
– You’re 25 years old, graduated high school in the U.S., went to college, but couldn’t apply for DACA. Now, you face the dilemma of getting married or living undocumented.
– You’ve experienced abusive treatment at work, such as being yelled at by your boss, being threatened with job loss, not being paid minimum wage, or forced to work under degrading conditions.
These situations may make you eligible for a T Visa. While I can’t diagnose your eligibility without meeting you, these are indicative symptoms. If you’ve been in an abusive relationship or faced harsh working conditions, it’s worth exploring whether you qualify for a T Visa.
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Overcoming Concerns About Reporting Abuse
One common concern is the fear of reporting the abuser. Based on our experience, law enforcement rarely investigates to the extent of contacting the abuser. This means you can pursue a T Visa without fearing retaliation or further abuse from the person who harmed you.
Benefits of the T Visa
With a T Visa, you’re put on a path to a green card. You can petition for your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents or adult children. You don’t have to leave the country to adjust your status, and you’ll receive a work permit and social security number. After three years, you can apply for a green card and even travel while your green card application is pending.
Take Action Now
If any of this resonates with you, don’t wait. The T Visa is a powerful tool, and it’s best to act now before the quota is reached and the process becomes longer. At New Frontier Immigration Law, we have a 100% success rate with T Visa applications, and we’re here to help you navigate this path. Reach out to us at (623) 742-5400 to explore your options and start your journey towards securing your legal status in the U.S.
