The immigration process can leave people very vulnerable to misconduct from others. An immigrant’s status often depends on their relationships. People may enter the United States to get married or rejoin a spouse. They may follow their parents to the country.
Immigrants who rely on others for their status are quite vulnerable. The people who help them legally live in the United States might engage in abusive or criminal behavior. Immigrants may feel as though they cannot speak up or fight back without endangering their status. They may not realize that there is a special visa program that can protect them.
U nonimmigrant visas are available for crime victims
Relationships, school and work aren’t the only ways for people to legally live in the United States. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues many different types of visas for people in different circumstances.
There are refugee and asylum programs for those facing persecution or extreme instability in their country of origin. There are an assortment of different employment visas. There are K-1 visas for fiancés ready to marry United States citizens.
The U visa program assists those who experience criminal activity. Someone forced into prostitution or battered by a spouse could qualify for a U visa if they provide assistance to the state. An assortment of different criminal activities might make someone eligible for a u visa. Those offenses include felonious assault, extortion, involuntary servitude, witness tampering, trafficking, stalking, manslaughter and incest.
The crime usually needs to occur in the United States or violate the laws of the United States. The visa applicant typically needs to cooperate with a prosecutor or state agency to assist in a criminal case or investigation. Provided that someone meets the appropriate standards, a U visa could help a crime victim legally remain in the United States after experiencing criminal activity.
Those who have experienced serious abuse at the hands of others may be eligible for this unique visa program. Learning more about U nonimmigrant visas and other immigration programs can benefit those who have endured misconduct in the United States accordingly.