Columbus Crime Victims Immigration Lawyer
Unfortunately, many immigrants do not speak up after falling victim to crimes. Most immigrants, especially the undocumented ones, are afraid of speaking up because they believe that if they speak up, they will be deported. Others choose not to speak up because they think that the police will be biased and harass them or cause them trouble. Some immigrants even decide not to report a crime committed against them after being advised not to report it.
You should know that U.S. immigration laws provide certain protections for immigrants who fall victim to crimes. Apart from that, the U.S. may grant you immigration status and provide you with a special visa if you are an immigrant who has been a victim of a crime. You should also know there are many lawyers in America who are willing to help you as an immigrant who has been a victim of a crime. If, for example, you were trafficked into the U.S. or have fallen victim to domestic abuse, our Columbus crime victims immigration lawyer can help you determine your legal options. For example, a qualified crime victims immigration lawyer can help you obtain a U visa or a T visa. And, if you are granted a U visa or a T visa, you may be able to apply for legal permanent residence.
However, you must note that simply being the victim of a crime might not be enough to allow you to get a visa and, eventually, a green card. For example, you may need to help law enforcement with their investigation to get a visa.
T Visas and U Visas
T visas are available to people brought into the U.S. through human trafficking.
On the other hand, U visas are available to victims of human trafficking and other crimes such as torture, rape, kidnapping, domestic violence, false imprisonment, blackmail, and abduction.
Obtaining Lawful Permanent Residence With a T Visa
To be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident as the holder of a T visa, you need to meet, among others, the following conditions:
- Lawful admission to the U.S. as a T-1 nonimmigrant.
- Have T-1 nonimmigrant status at the time of application.
- Have maintained a continuous physical presence in the U.S. (a continuous period of at least three years since the date you were legally considered a T-1 nonimmigrant is enough).
- Be of good moral character.
- Be otherwise admissible to the U.S.
Obtaining Lawful Permanent Residence With a U Visa
To be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident as the holder of a U visa, you need to meet, among others, the following requirements;
- Lawful admission to the U.S. as a U-1 nonimmigrant.
- Have U-1 nonimmigrant status at the time of application.
- At least three years of continuous presence in the U.S. at the time of application.
- Have provided help in, for instance, the investigation after being asked to.
- Be otherwise admissible to the U.S.
Help Is Available for Immigrant Crime Victims in Columbus, Georgia
Shirazi Immigration Law sympathizes with immigrants who have fallen victims to crimes. We understand how hard it is to be undocumented in the U.S. and, on top of that, be a victim of a crime. We are dedicated to helping all our U or T visa clients. Contact Shirazi Immigration Law today at 404-523-3611 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Columbus crime victims immigration lawyer.
