Living in a foreign country can be challenging, especially for immigrants who have been the victims of crime. In addition to physical and emotional trauma due to the crime itself, an immigrant may worry that if they report the crime, they may face deportation. Fortunately, there are protections available to victims of crime that can help them seek justice without the added worry of being removed from their communities. An experienced attorney can help crime victims determine whether U visas or VAWA self-petitions may be available in these situations.
The U Visa: A Pathway to Protection
The U visa is one option that may be available to immigrant victims of certain crimes. This type of visa provides temporary legal status to crime victims who have suffered harm because of qualifying criminal activity.
To be eligible for a U visa, a person must meet several requirements:
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