Many immigrants are fearful of admitting that they have been a victim of a crime in part because they believe they will be removed (deported) from the United States if they report the crime. U.S. law provides several protections for legal and undocumented immigrants who have been victims of a crime. There are specific protections for victims of domestic violence, victims of certain crimes, and victims of human trafficking.
A brochure about immigration options for victims of crime is available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified), French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Urdu.
Many individuals remain in abusive relationships because they fear reporting acts of domestic violence to police or fear seeking other forms of assistance. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a special pathway to lawful immigration status for victims of domestic abuse who would otherwise have to rely on their abusers to file a petition for status for them. VAWA allows victims of abuse who are close relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to file for status on their own (self-petition), without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation. This pathway is available to spouses and children of abusive U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and to parents of abusive U.S. citizens who are 21 years of age or older. These individuals may be eligible for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card), employment authorization, and public benefits. Applicants start the process by filing Form I-360. VAWA provisions apply equally to anyone regardless of gender. Please visit uscis.gov/humanitarian/abused-spouses-children-and-parents for more information.
U nonimmigrant status (also known as a U visa) offers temporary immigration protection for victims of certain qualifying criminal activity in the United States who have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to certifying agencies in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity, and meet other requirements. U nonimmigrant status is valid for 4 years and can be extended in limited circumstances; recipients are also eligible for employment authorization. U nonimmigrants may be able to adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents (obtain a Green Card) if they qualify. Certain family members may also be eligible for U nonimmigrant status.
* Also includes attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes.
† Includes any similar activity where the elements of the crime are substantially similar.
To petition for U nonimmigrant status, the victim must file Form I-918. The victim must also submit, with their petition, a certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) signed by a certifying agency official confirming that the victim was helpful, is being helpful, or will likely be helpful in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of the case, and they meet other eligibility requirements. Certifying officials should be aware that signing a certification does not grant immigration protections — only USCIS has the authority to grant or deny a U visa petition.
T nonimmigrant status (also known as a T visa) provides temporary immigration protection to victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons (also known as human trafficking) who assist law enforcement agencies in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of this crime. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. It can happen in any community and victims can be of any age, race, gender, or nationality.
To apply for T nonimmigrant status, applicants must file Form I-914. Applicants must be physically present in the United States on account of the trafficking. T nonimmigrant status is valid for 4 years and can be extended in limited circumstances; recipients are also eligible for employment authorization.
T nonimmigrants may be able to adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents (obtain a Green Card) if they qualify. Certain family members may also be eligible for T nonimmigrant status.
Labor trafficking (forced labor) is the exploitation of a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
Sex trafficking is the exploitation of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act by the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Anyone under the age of 18 who is induced into commercial sex is a victim of sex trafficking under U.S. law, regardless of whether there is force, fraud, or coercion.
Continued Presence is a temporary immigration designation provided to individuals identified by law enforcement as victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons who may be potential witnesses. The Continued Presence Resource Guide for law enforcement agencies and civil attorneys is available at: ice.gov/ContinuedPresenceResourceGuide.