Labor trafficking is an ongoing problem, and if you were a victim of trafficking, a T-visa could protect you from deportation and other negative consequences affecting immigrants. As a non-citizen impacted by trafficking or unfair labor practices, the T-visa could even help you eventually obtain a green card if you qualify. A dedicated Phoenix attorney could meet with you and investigate your eligibility for a T-visa.
T nonimmigrant status, also known as a T-visa, is a temporary immigration benefit that individuals may obtain if they meet the qualifications. If you were a victim of human trafficking, the T-visa may allow you to remain in the U.S. for an initial four-year period on the condition that you comply with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking, or qualify for an exception.
Some other exemptions or exceptions could apply if you obtain T nonimmigrant status. For instance, your eligible family members could also qualify for T-visa status in some situations. Additionally, you could gain authorization for regular employment, along with some federal and state benefits. Lastly, you may eventually be able to obtain a green card and become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Congress created the T-visa as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000. Human trafficking is a crime in which perpetrators use coercion, fraud, or force to make individuals provide labor or sex. Typically, trafficking victims must work against their will with little or no pay, often in farm or factory settings. Sadly, labor trafficking situations can affect entire families, including children, through forced child labor. Phoenix sees a high number of trafficking situations due to its proximity to the border, which means many residents may be eligible for T nonimmigrant status.
Traffickers often target vulnerable individuals of all ages. Those without legal immigration status are especially vulnerable because they could fear speaking out or approaching law enforcement, and victims often face threats of arrest or deportation if they leave their traffickers. The T-visa program is meant to remove such fears for trafficking victims willing to cooperate with investigators.
To qualify for a T-visa, Phoenix applicants must first be victims of human trafficking, whether it is related to sex or labor, or something else. You may also need to cooperate with law enforcement to prosecute your traffickers. However, juvenile victims do not have to assist in investigations, and those with certain physical or emotional issues could be exempt from contributing to investigations.
To be eligible for a T-visa, you must be physically present in the U.S. or at a port of entry, and the trafficking in question must also have happened within the U.S. Another requirement for T-visa eligibility is a fear of harm or retaliation if forced to return to one’s country of origin. Our immigration attorneys could help you or a family member evaluate their eligibility and pursue a T-visa.
If you or a family member was a victim of human trafficking in the U.S., you should not let fear of deportation prevent you from working with law enforcement. The T-visa gives trafficking victims a pathway to U.S. citizenship under certain conditions. Eligibility for a T-visa in Phoenix involves specific requirements, and we are ready to assist you in this important time. Reach out today to schedule your consultation.
