Visa program for crime victims

The USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), which is the entity in charge of processing immigration applications in the country, offers a wide variety of programs for different immigrant and non-immigrant communities. With this, we refer to alternatives available both for vulnerable populations such as asylum seekers and refugees, as well as for highly qualified foreign workers and international students.

The US immigration system also offers an alternative for immigrants who have been victims of crime and are willing to cooperate with local authorities in investigation processes. The U visa, which grants Non-Immigrant Status, is available to undocumented individuals who have been victims of physical or psychological abuse within the US (or if the crime violates the US law), individuals who have information about qualifying criminal activity and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, victims of human trafficking, inter alia.

Do you need help with an immigration case of any kind? Contact Motion Law and follow the advice of our experienced attorneys.

The U Visa process is “broken”

For thousands of immigrants, the only and last alternative to obtain legal status in the US is the U Visa. However, many of them have had to wait months, even years, to receive a response to their applications.

In fact, according to the opinion of several immigrant rights advocates and activists, the system to process U Visas is broken and needs immediate attention from the federal government to reduce waiting times and protect crime victims, who also help law enforcement entities through testimonies and evidence.

They also state that U Visa applicants do not have any kind of relief from deportation prior to receiving an answer to their immigration cases and many of them also do not have legal permits to work in the US. Thus, sometimes they must access clandestine jobs, which also threatens their residence in the country.

According to official figures, there are more than 160,000 pending U Visa applications and waiting times are even longer now due to the health crisis caused by the global Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, dozens of activists state that reforming the immigration system should be a priority for the Joe Bien administration, which has a duty to improve immigration alternatives such as the U visa program for victims of domestic violence or other precarious situations.

Visit our Blog section and keep up to date with the latest immigration news.

The Biden administration might reform the immigration system

It is no secret that immigration is a priority for President Joe Biden, who took office recently, in late January, 2021. The Biden administration plans to promote the first comprehensive immigration reform since the 80s, 35 years ago. To achieve this goal, the current administration is trying to remove restrictions implemented by former President Trump on the immigration system in order to pave the way and include policies consistent with its ideals, promises and immigration proposals.

In fact, this is a great time to start your immigration journey in the US. If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.