Which crimes make you eligible for a U visa?
What is a U visa?
A U visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in investigating or prosecuting those crimes.
The U visa was created as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (VTVPA) in 2000 to provide protection and assistance to victims of crimes who might otherwise be afraid to come forward and report the crime to law enforcement.
The U visa allows the victim to stay in the United States for up to four years and may also provide a pathway to permanent residency. To be eligible for a U visa, the victim must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime, and the crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws. The victim must also be helpful to law enforcement or government officials in investigating or prosecuting the crime.
If granted a U visa, the victim may also be eligible to apply for work authorization and certain federal and state benefits. The U visa program has been an important tool in providing protection and assistance to victims of crimes in the United States and has helped to encourage victims to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.
Which crimes make you eligible for a U visa?
The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws for the victim to be eligible for a U visa. There are many serious crimes that may make an immigrant eligible for a U visa, including but not limited to:
- Domestic violence: This includes any violent or threatening behavior between individuals who are or were in a domestic relationship, such as spouses, siblings, parents, or roommates.
- Felonious assault: This can includes assault or battery with a deadly weapon, such as a knife, handgun, etc.
- Sexual assault: This includes any sexual contact or behavior that is non-consensual or forced, such as rape or sexual abuse.
- Human trafficking: This involves the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of individuals for the purpose of exploitation, such as forced labor or prostitution.
- Abduction or kidnapping: This includes the unlawful taking or transport of a person against their will, often for ransom or other criminal purposes.
- False imprisonment: This involves the unlawful confinement or restraint of a person’s movement, often for an extended period of time.
- Blackmail: This involves the use of threats to obtain something of value from another person, such as money or property.
- Fraud in foreign labor contracting: This includes any fraudulent or deceptive practices related to recruiting or employing foreign workers.
- Obstruction of justice: This includes any actions taken to impede or obstruct an official investigation or proceeding.
- Perjury: This involves lying under oath in a court or other legal proceeding.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that other crimes may also qualify for a U visa. Additionally, the victim must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime and must be helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime and believes they may qualify for a U visa, it’s important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance and assistance in the application process.
EN 
ES