U Visa Lawyer New York
In October 2000, a new category of immigration benefit became available to victims of violent crimes, the U Visa. The policy grew out of concerns that undocumented immigrants would be afraid of deportation if they called law enforcement to report a crime.
Our government realized that the U Visa would effectively accomplish two things stop criminals from targeting immigrants and let immigrants know that they should not fear deportation if they report a crime.
THREE COMPONENTS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE A SOLID CLAIM FOR A U VISA:
- The qualifying crime itself: a list of about 30 offenses covers a number of acts involving physical harm, or placing an immigrant in fear of injury. There does not have to be a conviction.
- Proof of injury, physical or psychological. This evidence can be shown with medical reports and/or psychological evaluations.
- Cooperation (Helpfulness with law enforcement). A police report, or testimony in open court are typical examples of this cooperation. Also there MUST BE a signed certification from a police officer, prosecutor, judge, or another identified official – the list is very long of who may sign Immigration Form 918B. After 3 years, a U Visa holder may apply for a green card. U Visa beneficiary may be allowed a waiver of his or her own violations of immigration and even criminal law.
