There are various ways to maintain legal immigrant status or work toward citizenship. We have only covered a few here. If you don’t have a family member to assist with the provisional waiver, the immigration team at New Frontier Immigration Law can explain your options. Contact our immigration specialists today.
Suppose you do not have a family member or employer sponsor and require a waiver to enter the U.S. In that case, there are several other routes you can take to enter or remain in the U.S. legally. We want you to understand that you have options.
What Is a U Visa?
The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa established for crime victims and their families. Suppose you are at risk of being removed from the U.S. but were a victim of a crime and can assist law enforcement with the investigation. In that case, you may qualify for a U visa.
The U Visa program is part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act that was enacted in October 2000. The legislation was crafted to assist law enforcement agencies in prosecuting various criminal acts, including human trafficking of non-U.S. citizens. The act also protects people against physical and mental abuse resulting from their victimization.
U visa petitions are processed at Vermont (VSC) and Nebraska (NSC) Service Centers. Processing times may vary depending on the current flow of petitions. Having an immigration specialist to assist with your petition can be beneficial and ensure that all conditions for qualification under a U visa are met.
What Is a T Visa?
Victims of human trafficking might qualify for a T visa. The T visa permits victims to stay for up to four years if they meet the requirements. Petitioners for a T visa should attempt to assist law enforcement personnel by providing any knowledge they may possess of trafficking activities. This information can be instrumental in the investigation and prosecution of traffickers.
The provisions for T visas are within the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. T visas offer protections for victims of sex trafficking and labor trafficking (modern slavery).