Irving U Visa Attorney

Dallas County Immigration Visa Lawyers for Victims of Criminal Activity

There are a variety of options that may protect an immigrant against deportation or other issues that may affect their immigration status. Some of these options fall under the category of humanitarian relief, since they may help protect immigrants against harm and keep them from being placed in situations that may put them or their family members at risk of injury. U visas offer one form of relief, and they may be available to immigrants who have been the victims of certain types of crimes. When applying for these types of visas, immigrants will need to make sure they provide the correct information and cooperate with immigration and law enforcement officials. An experienced immigration lawyer can ensure that these immigrants meet all of the necessary requirements to qualify for humanitarian relief.

At John W. Lawit, LLC, we offer skilled and experienced legal assistance in many different types of immigration cases. If you or a member of your family have been the victim of a crime, we can help you determine your options, and we will work with you to apply for a U visa and ensure that you can continue living in the United States while avoiding the possibility of harm in the future.

Qualifying for a U Visa

People who have been the victims of criminal activity may be able to receive a U visa that will either allow them to enter the United States or ensure that they can remain in the U.S. U Visas are available to victims of certain crimes, including:

• Sexual assault or incest
• Prostitution or sexual exploitation
• Kidnapping, abduction, false imprisonment, or human trafficking
• Felony assault
• Stalking
• Torture
• Murder or manslaughter
• Blackmail or extortion
• Perjury or obstruction of justice

To qualify for a U visa, a person will need to demonstrate that they have suffered physical harm or mental or emotional abuse because they were the victim of criminal activity. A person will be required to cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation or prosecution of these crimes. A person will also need to meet the qualifications for admissibility to the United States. However, if a person is inadmissible, they may be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.

The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa that will allow a person to remain in the United States temporarily. Derivative U visas may also be available for a person's immediate family members, including their spouse or children or parents of an applicant under the age of 21. Up to 10,000 U visas may be issued each year, although this cap only applies to principal applicants, and there is no limit on the number of derivative visas. After the limit has been reached in a certain year, new applicants may be placed on a waiting list, and they will usually be protected from deportation and receive authorization to work in the U.S. while waiting for the availability of a U visa.

U visas are generally valid for four years, although extensions may be available based on requests from law enforcement officials or other exceptional circumstances. After a person has lived in the U.S. under U nonimmigrant status for three years, they will be eligible to apply for a green card.

Contact Our Carrollton U Visa Lawyers

If you have been the victim of a crime, or if you believe that you are eligible for other forms of humanitarian relief, our firm can help you determine your options, and we will assist with any immigration issues you may encounter. Contact our office by calling 214-609-2242. We assist with U visas and other related immigration matters in Carrollton, Addison, Grapevine, Irving, Euless, Farmers Branch, Bedford, Dallas County, Coppell, Grand Prairie, and Arlington.