San Mateo Immigration Lawyer for Victims of Crimes
Serving the Bay Area
U.S. immigration law provides several forms of protection to immigrants who have been the victims of certain crimes. The immigrant population is particularly vulnerable to crimes, such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse. Such crime victims are hesitant to report crimes due to such things as language barriers, lack of understanding of the law, and the fear of the police and deportation.
Recognizing this, the U.S. Congress enacted certain provisions to protect immigrant crime victims. Some of these provisions include:
- U visas, for crime victims;
- T visas, for human trafficking victims; and
- VAWA self-petition for domestic violence victims.
Speak to a San Mateo Immigration Attorney
If you have been the victim of a crime and would like to pursue a visa application, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Based in San Mateo, California, The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm provides immigration services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and worldwide. We look forward to discussing your case with you.
U Visa for Crime Victims
The U visa is available to immigrants who have been the victims of certain types of serious crimes. The U visa permits the victim to legally live and work in the U.S. and to apply for permanent residence (i.e., a “green card”). Read More
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Green Card
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) permits immigrant victims of domestic violence to apply for lawful permanent residence (i.e., a green card) on their own (i.e., self-petition). Immigrant victims of domestic violence may remain in abusive relationships because their immigration status is dependent on their abuser. The VAWA self-petition removes the control from the abuser and allows the victim to file for his or her green card application without the help of the abuser. Read More
T Visa for Human Trafficking Victims
The T visa is a Visa for Human Trafficking Victims available to foreign citizens who have been the victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, where the victim is controlled and held captive by the trafficker and is forced into a life of involuntary servitude. The T visa permits the victim to legally live and work in the U.S. and also offers the opportunity to apply for permanent residence. The victim’s immediate family members may also qualify to receive the T visa. Read More