When you’re the victim of a violent crime, law enforcement may approach you for help solving the case. Your cooperation can help catch the perpetrator and help solve the case, which improves public safety. However, suppose you’re an undocumented immigrant. In that case, you may worry about how working with a law enforcement agency or criminal justice system may affect your eligibility for legal status in the United States.
The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 created two types of visas for victims of crimes in the United States. T nonimmigrant status and U nonimmigrant status allow you to stay in the United States and assist law enforcement. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you may qualify for a VAWA Visa that allows you to petition for legal status on your own and protects your rights as a victim of crime.
What Types of Crime Qualify Immigrants for Protection?
Immigrants who are victims of violent crime are eligible for special visas that allow them to stay in the United States to assist law enforcement with solving cases and prosecuting perpetrators of crime. These visas may also extend to family members of the victim.
Human trafficking: includes sex and labor trafficking.
Child abuse
Assault
Domestic violence (also covered under VAWA),
Sexual assault
Abduction or false imprisonment
witness tampering
extortion
You can find additional information and a full list of crimes covered under The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act.
Being the Victim of a Crime Affects Your Mental Health
When you experience a violent crime, you may have flashbacks or other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. You may develop anxiety, depression, have trouble sleeping, and several other psychological effects. Mental health counseling can help you work through these issues to get back to living your life. That’s why victim services exist and why seeking help is best for your future well-being.
The government provides funds to each state under the Federal Victims of Crime Act to support victims of crime. The Office for Victims of Crime has a list of organizations in your state that provide victim assistance such as financial assistance, or reimbursement for medical expenses and the cost of mental health care.
As an immigrant, you may worry about how seeking mental health care or victim assistance programs will affect your ability to stay in the United States. A U-Visa or T-Visa provides the protection you need to help solve the crime, address your mental health concerns, and remain in the United States. A psychological evaluation by a qualified mental health professional can help strengthen your case by proving how the crime affected your mental and physical health.
Our providers are skilled at advocating for victims’ rights and know the immigration process is intimidating. We’ll work to ensure you have the support you need.
Let Us Help Make The Immigration Process Easier and Less Intimidating
Immigration proceedings for U-Visas, T-Visas, and VAWA visas can be challenging and emotionally draining. That’s why it’s essential to move through the immigration process as quickly as possible and make your case as strong as you can.
Immigrating to the U.S. is overwhelming thanks to complicated immigration laws and the stress of building a new life. That’s why we’re here. We offer a safe space to share your hardships and walk through the evaluation process with a kind, compassionate provider. To get started, schedule a FREE consultation with one of our providers to see if an immigration evaluation is suitable for your immigration case.
At the moment, due to COVID-19, all our immigration evaluation sessions are held online or via phone. We look forward to hearing from you!
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