In 2000, Congress passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, which created the U nonimmigrant status, also known as the U visa. This law was intended to allow law enforcement agencies to better serve the victims of crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Immigrant victims of crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who are willing to help law enforcement officials investigate and prosecute these crimes are eligible to receive a U visa and remain in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a U visa, all of the following eligibility requirements must be true:
- You are the victim of a qualifying crime.
- You suffered substantial mental or physical abuse because of that crime.
- You have information about the criminal activity.
- You are helpful, were helpful, or were likely to be helpful to law enforcement officials during the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
- The crime occurred in the United States.
- You are eligible to be in the United States.
In addition, you must submit a signed certification from a law enforcement official to be used as evidence in support of the petition for a U visa. This certification will give U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) information about the criminal case, including your willingness in the investigation, prosecution, or sentencing of the crime. Any federal, state, or local law enforcement authority who plays a part in the criminal case may complete the certification. Other officials such as child protective services, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Department of Labor can also complete the certification.
...