U Visa – Background and General Information

Background

The U nonimmigrant visa is provided for victims of certain serious crimes who are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The purpose of said legislation is to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases while protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in said process.

Eligibility

To be eligible you need to meet the following requirements:

You are the victim of a qualifying criminal activity;
You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of said criminal activity;
You have information about the criminal activity;
You were helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity;
The criminal activity occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws: and
You are admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver.
Qualifying Crimes:

Abduction
Abusive Sexual Contact
Blackmail
Domestic Violence
Extortion
False Imprisonment
Female Genital Mutilation
Felonious Assault
Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
Hostage
Incest
Involuntary Servitude
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Murder

Obstruction of Justice
Peonage
Perjury
Prostitution
Rape
Sexual Assault
Sexual Exploitation
Slave Trade
Stalking
Torture
Trafficking
Witness Tampering
Unlawful Criminal Restraint
Other Related Crimes*†

* Includes any similar activity where the elements of the crime are substantially similar.
† Also includes attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes.

For further details or to determine whether you qualify for the U visa, please contact The Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C.