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Helping Immigrants Who Are Victims Of Crimes
If you are a victim of a qualifying crime and have suffered physical or mental abuse, the U Visa may offer a pathway to safety and legal status in the United States. This visa was created to encourage victims to come forward, assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminals, and provide protection for those who may fear reporting crimes due to their immigration status. At Paul Toland Law, we are committed to helping you navigate the U Visa application process. Our team will work with you to understand the steps involved and help you gather the necessary information to file a successful petition. If you or a loved one is a crime victim, we are here to guide you through the process of obtaining a U Visa and securing the protections you deserve.
This can be a stressful and emotional time and you may not be aware of all of your options.
Fortunately, there are laws in place that can protect you and your family. This includes the U Visa which assists immigrants who are victims of serious crimes or have cooperated with law enforcement in the prosecution of the perpetrator.
Understanding U Visas
At Toland Law, LLC, we have been helping immigrants in the community for years and ready to fight for you. Because we have a reputation for success, we are often asked many questions about U visas.
Here are some of the most common questions we receive:
Who Qualifies For A U Visa?
The U visa was established to encourage and protect victims of qualifying crimes, offering them a sense of security and motivation to actively participate in the legal process. Its main purpose is to help individuals who may be hesitant to contact law enforcement due to their immigration status. Immigrants who fear deportation or retaliation may avoid cooperating with authorities, even when they have valuable information that could help bring criminals to justice. The U visa serves as an essential tool for these individuals, ensuring they can report crimes without fear of deportation while also assisting in the prosecution of offenders.
U Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a U visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking.
- The applicant must have endured physical or mental abuse as a direct result of the crime.
- The applicant must possess crucial information related to the crime.
- The applicant must have cooperated or be willing to assist with the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
- The crime must have been a violation of U.S. law, making the applicant eligible for legal protection under the U visa program.
By fulfilling these criteria, victims can not only receive legal status but also help prevent future crimes and contribute to the safety and integrity of their community. Once your U Visa application is approved, it cannot exceed four years. However, once three years have passed, an immigrant can apply for adjustment of status to receive a green card.
What Are The Benefits Of A U Visa?
Obtaining a U Visa offers a number of important benefits that can help individuals seeking protection and the ability to live and work in the United States. One of the primary advantages of the U Visa is that once your petition is approved, you will be granted authorization to work in the U.S. This allows you to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), enabling you to seek employment and support yourself and your family.
Work Qualifications
In addition to the work authorization granted to the primary applicant, the family members of the U Visa holder may also qualify to work in the United States. However, it is important to note that family members will need to submit a separate application and pay the associated fees to receive their own Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. This benefit ensures that not only the applicant, but also their loved ones, can contribute economically while living in the U.S.
Adjustment of Status
Furthermore, after residing in the U.S. for three years with a valid U Visa, you may become eligible to apply for an adjustment of status. This means you can apply for a green card, which is a significant step toward permanent residency. Gaining this status allows individuals to further secure their future in the U.S., providing access to additional benefits and opportunities for themselves and their families.
Contact A Top U Visa Law Firm In Boston, Ma
If you are a victim of a crime or are helping law enforcement prosecute a crime, you need to speak with a Boston immigration lawyer as soon as possible. You may be feeling lost and confused, but do not worry, we are here to help.
At Toland Law, LLC, we have been assisting clients in situations similar to yours and are ready to fight for your freedom. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a consultation with one of the best immigration law firms in the state.
Give our office a call at (857) 347-3701 or fill out the contact form on our website.
