Contact Our Immigration Attorney if you were a Victim of a Crime

In today’s world, it is unfortunate that human trafficking still occurs. It does happen at an alarming rate, and takes advantage of those who are vulnerable. In many cases, this means exploiting illegal immigrants who are in the U.S. or those wanting to live in the United States. As law enforcement has made it a high priority to break up human trafficking rings, the federal government has stepped in to help victims who provide assistance to law enforcement gain special immigrant status and set the stage for them to obtain a Green Card. Known as a T Visa, it is critical human trafficking victims take advantage of this opportunity. 

Harsh Types of Human Trafficking

When discussing types of visas for victims of human trafficking provided by the federal government, it must be noted that the T Visa is only for those who are considered to be victims of a harsh type of human trafficking. According to federal law, harsh human trafficking can take the form of sex trafficking or labor trafficking. In most instances, it is considered harsh when victims are less than 18 years of age. If you now need a T Visa after being subjected to a harsh type of human trafficking, talk to a T Visa attorney for victims of crimes in Los Angeles at Grey Law.

T Visa Eligibility

To be considered eligible in the U.S., there are other requirements in addition to being victimized by a harsh type of human trafficking. These include complying with standard inquiries from law enforcement to assist in their investigation, showing you would suffer harm or hardship if removed from the U.S., and other factors. You will need to take advantage of all protections afforded you by such federal laws as the Trafficking and Violence Protection Act for Victims.

Applying for a T Visa

Once it is determined you are eligible for a T Visa, you should seek out a VAWA Visa lawyer to assist with the application process as quickly as possible. When applying for this visa, you will need to fill out Form I-914. As part of the application process, you will need to include a statement explaining how you were victimized by a harsh type of human trafficking, so be prepared to give many details about your experience. In addition, you must also include documentation that you did assist law enforcement in their investigation. As proof of this, you can include police reports, court documents, or other evidence. Since you must make sure your application is completed in a timely and correct manner.

Eligible Family Members

In many human trafficking cases, it is not only the actual victims who are in danger. Very often, traffickers will threaten to harm a victim’s family members to keep them from cooperating with law enforcement. However, it is important to note that certain family members may also qualify for a T Visa in these situations. If deemed eligible due to threats aimed at them by traffickers, it is possible your parents, brothers and sisters who are under 18 years of age, and any children of eligible family members may be granted a T Visa. To ensure all family members who may be retaliated against are given the legal protection they deserve, consult with an immigration Visa lawyer that families trust at Grey Law.

Obtaining T Nonimmigrant Status

After you have obtained T nonimmigrant status in the United States, the good news is that your visa will be good for four years, and may be extended under certain circumstances. Along with this, having a visa will also enable you or other qualifying family members who also have a T Visa to apply for a Green Card after only three years of receiving T nonimmigrant status. However, should the investigation into the human trafficking ring end earlier than this, you or other family members would be eligible to move forward with seeking a Green Card. Therefore, in an effort to gain U.S. citizenship as soon as you are allowed to do so, speak with an attorney immediately.

Services and Benefits Eligibility

In addition to the possibility a T Visa will eventually allow you to obtain a Green Card, possessing this visa will also open up other opportunities for you and your family. As one of the biggest benefits, it will automatically make you and your family members eligible for many different types of human services that are funded by the federal government. This can be crucial, since it could help you with such basic needs as housing, health care, employment, child care, and many other areas. However, since gaining federal assistance of any kind is complex and confusing at best, never assume you can do this on your own. Instead, rely on legal counsel from Grey Law.

Special Circumstances

Should special circumstances come into play regarding your obtaining a T visa, the federal government does have certain options available to you as a human trafficking victim. For example, if needed, ICE could choose to grant immediate Continued Presence status for as long as two years, which could provide temporary relief from possible deportation. Since this relief can only be requested by federal law enforcement agencies, have a lawyer on your side in these situations.

Having suffered enough as a human trafficking victim, it is time you move forward with the rest of your life. To get started on your journey, schedule a consultation today with an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles crime victims trust at Grey Law.