Options for Victims
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY LAURA LEON
Options for Victims
No one should have to go through the trauma of being a victim of violence. Unfortunately, it is a reality for many people. For those who are not U.S. citizens, this experience can be even more frustrating for fear of jeopardizing their immigration status. However, there are some options available for victims of violence to gain legal status in the United States. As an experienced U.S. immigration lawyer, I specialize in helping individuals who need to escape violence and abuse find a safe haven in the U.S.
Here are some of the immigration options available for victims of violence:
U Visa
If you are the victim of a crime that occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws, you may qualify for a U visa. The U visa allows victims of certain crimes, such as domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and some others, to stay in the United States for up to four years. To qualify, you must have suffered mental or physical abuse, and be willing to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. You could even qualify for a U Visa if you were not the direct victim of the incident, but a witness.
If you are approved, you could bring your immediate family members with you to the U.S.
VAWA Self-Petition
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain victims of domestic violence such as abused spouses, children of U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, and abused parents of U.S. Citizen sons or daughters apply for immigration relief separate from the abusive family member by petitioning for themselves for legal status.
If you are a victim of abuse by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, you may be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition. This process allows you to apply for a green card on your own, without the assistance or knowledge of your abusive spouse.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
If you are under the age of 21 and have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both of your parents, you may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS allows you to obtain lawful permanent residence in the U.S. You must have a juvenile court order that declares you dependent on the court or places you in the custody of a state agency, and that finds that it would not be in your best interest to return to your home country.
These are some of the options available for victims of violence. If you or a loved one is in need of immigration assistance due to violence or abuse, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. As a U.S. immigration lawyer, I am committed to helping those who have been victimized by violence find the safety and security they deserve in the United States.
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