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E-Mail Us NowChicago U-Visas Lawyer Helping Victims of Crimes Achieve Temporary Residency
United states immigration law allows for temporary residency to be granted to an individual who is the victim of a crime, including mental or physical abuse. This nonimmigrant visa is intended as a humanitarian measure to provide protection for noncitizens who fear returning to their home country. However, the U visa process can be complicated as potential immigrants must prove that they have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse or are a victim of qualifying criminal activity. Furthermore, there is a cap on yearly U visas that may be awarded, and these visas are maxed out year after year, making it difficult to achieve. But there is still hope!
Experienced and talented visa lawyers can help you achieve lawful immigration status through U visa approval. Petitioners who do not receive their U visa right away are placed on a waiting list, which can take quite a long time. Your best chance of achieving success in your case is to consult with a trusted attorney, such as the immigration lawyer at the Law Office of Kevin L. Dixler. Mr. Dixler has helped clients like you achieve U visa eligibility through cooperation with law enforcement officials and providing adequate evidence of crimes committed against the individual. The U visa is an excellent way to start your path toward United States citizenship if you are the victim of a crime. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case and see how we can help you at 312-728-4610.
Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
Potential immigrants who are victims of crimes and are willing to work with law enforcement agencies are excellent candidates for the U visa. These visas may also be ideal for immigrants who have been the victims of a crime and would otherwise be inadmissible as citizens because they are undocumented immigrants or have committed crimes of moral turpitude. These circumstances would normally be a serious roadblock to citizenship, but they may be forgiven if the person has a U visa status.
Some crimes that may qualify for a U visa if they have been committed against a foreign national are:
- Murder
- Rape
- Abduction
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault
- Slave trade
- False imprisonment
- Blackmail
- Perjury
- Prostitution
- Human trafficking
- Extortion
- Mental abuse
- Physical abuse
- Obstruction of justice
- Unlawful criminal restraint
- Witness tampering
If you are a victim of any of the above crimes, you may be eligible for a U nonimmigrant visa. Please reach out to our compassionate immigration attorney to begin seeking your U visa today.
How Do You Apply for a U Visa?
Applications for U visas are slightly different from other immigration services because they involve the willingness of the victim to assist law enforcement, meaning they must cooperate with a government agency in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The person should begin the process by filing Form I-918 along with the necessary evidence of the crime and the emotional and physical consequences that the individual has suffered as a result. Please note that parents of a child who is the victim of a crime may also be awarded a temporary residency in the United States as an indirect victim, but they must also be willing to assist law enforcement officers in the same way other U visa holders would.
Before taking any definite steps toward applying for your U visa, you should first seek the aid of an immigration attorney with a great deal of experience handling such complex cases. As a crime victim seeking a nonimmigrant visa, you already have so many complicated matters to attend to, and the last thing you need is to try to navigate the complex legal system on your own. Please reach out to a trusted legal representative like Attorney Dixler for a caring and capable lawyer who will help you during this challenging time.
What Are the Benefits of a U Visa?
U visa status comes with many important benefits that can be a great comfort to someone who has been the victim of a crime and is seeking U.S. residency. One of these is that the person’s visa status remains valid for up to four years, during which time the individual may work toward qualifying for a green card. A permanent residency is an option that not all visas allow, but the U visa holder may apply for permanent status (green card) three years after receiving their U visa.
Another advantage to holding a U visa is that the person will be authorized to work in the United States. This can be a great benefit to family members depending on the immigrant for support. Family members who qualify for visa status may also enjoy derivative benefits because of their loved one who is approved for a U visa. If you are the victim of a qualifying crime who is willing to work with law enforcement officials in investigating the criminal activity you’ve witnessed, you could be eligible for all of the above benefits and more. Contact our law office today to learn more!
Should You Hire our Immigration Law Firm?
The U visa is a key part of U.S. immigration law as it encourages noncitizens to be forthcoming about crimes that occur in the United States and U.S. territories. Immigrants who work with law enforcement agencies are rewarded with protection for themselves and their families, whether the crime was domestic, occurred in the workplace, or took place in any other location.
U visa status may seem difficult to achieve with the high number of applicants and a limited number of visas awarded. However, with a talented legal team standing by you, there is always hope! Our skilled law group has a deep understanding of the law, including how to get victims of certain qualifying crimes approved for a U visa. We will stand by you throughout this challenging process to ensure your application is completed thoroughly and on the right time schedule. We know how to gather powerful evidence to prove you deserve to enter the U.S. with a U visa. We will also explain the complicated legal procedures to you in a way that you will understand so you can be an active participant in all decisions that may arise.
With the great benefits that come with U visa approval, you can’t afford to delay or hire an attorney without the skill necessary to get the results you need. Contact us today for a consultation where we can discuss the details of your situation and find the right immigration path for you. Call now at 312-728-4610!