The United States, in its bid to keep everyone within its borders safe, has introduced multiple measures, pathways, and visas that allow people within its borders, particularly victims of abuse or crimes, to remain within the country. One of these is the U visa, which is specifically meant to protect witnesses or victims of serious crimes.
Not every person qualifies for a U visa. Therefore, it is important to consult with a Chandler U-visa lawyer about your options if you or someone you know are considering filing for one. At New Frontier Immigration Law, we have been helping people in similar circumstances navigate the complex requirements for a U visa with good success. Let our local visa attorneys help protect your rights and minimize any potential disruptions that the incident may have brought upon your life. Contact us to find out more.
The U visa or U nonimmigrant visa was primarily created to protect victims of certain crimes highlighted under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The primary requirement for the U visa is being a victim of a designated serious crime within the United States and the willingness to cooperate with law enforcement in the prosecution of that crime.
This means the undocumented victim may agree to help during investigations into the criminal activity. The government’s primary goal for this visa category is to help make it easier for non-citizens residing within the country to willingly help law enforcement by reporting crimes, where they otherwise would have been reluctant to do, due to their immigration status.
For instance, assuming the undocumented person is out of status or in the country illegally, but has been a victim of sex trafficking, the possibility of receiving the U non-immigrant visa, which solidifies their status within the country, can encourage them to report the crime and collaborate with law enforcement to indict the perpetrators of the crime. This is preferable to avoiding contact with law enforcement due to their status.
Undocumented migrants who meet the following eligibility requirements may qualify for the U non-immigrant visa:
These are just a few of the conditions that a Chandler applicant will need to fulfill before they can apply for a U visa. An immigration lawyer can provide more information or insight into what the undocumented person may require based on their particular circumstances.
Apart from being able to remain in the United States, a U visa allows you to enjoy a temporary legal status with work authorization. Once a U visa is approved, you may also be eligible for a green card after living in the country for three years. Plus, your family members may also benefit from your U non-immigrant visa if granted.
However, you need an experienced Chandler U visa lawyer from New Frontier Immigration Law to help with preparing the right documentation, providing information, and guiding you through the process. Contact us to discuss your case.