Victims of Crime

U Visa

The U visa is for victims of the following crimes how have cooperated with law enforcement by reporting, identifying, testifying or otherwise helping the investigation of the perpetrator of the crime. Below is a list of qualifying crimes:

  • Domestic violence
  • Torture
  • Rape
  • Trafficking
  • Incest
  • Sexual assault
  • Abusive sexual contact
  • Prostitution
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Being held hostage
  • Peonage
  • Involuntary servitude
  • Slave trade
  • Kidnapping
  • Abduction
  • Unlawful criminal restraint
  • False imprisonment
  • Blackmail
  • Extortion
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Felonious assault
  • Witness tampering
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Perjury
  • Or attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above mentioned crimes

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Immigrants who have been victims of Crimes may be eligible for U.S. Immigration benefits. If you have been a victim of a crime and reported to the police and cooperated with law enforcement, call attorney Galorah Keshavarz immediately for a free consultation at (310) 890-7353 or email galorah@thegklawfirm.com if you are afraid to report the abuse to the police or other authorities.

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the spouses and children of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents may self-petition to obtain lawful permanent residency. The immigration provisions of VAWA allow certain battered immigrants to file for immigration relief.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible to file a self-petition (an application that you file for yourself for immigration benefits) you must qualify under one of the following categories:

The self-petitioning Spouse: You may self-petition if you are a battered spouse married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Unmarried children under the age of 21, who have not filed their own self-petition, may be included on your petition as derivative beneficiaries.

Parent: You may self-petition if you are the parent of a child who has been abused by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. Your children (under 21 years of age and unmarried), including those who may not have been abused, may be included on your petition as derivative beneficiaries, if they have not filed their own self-petition.

Child: You may self-petition if you are a battered child (under 21 years of age and unmarried) who has been abused by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent.

The self-petitioning child:

  • Must qualify as the child of the abuser as "child" is defined in the INA for immigration purposes.
  • Any relevant credible evidence that can prove the relationship with the parent will be considered.
T Visas for Victims of Human Trafficking

If you or someone you know were brought across the border illegally or with fake documents for the purposes of prostitution and/or providing sexual services you may be eligible to apply for special visa for victims of sex trafficking and/or slavery.

Each year U.S. government issues 5000 visas for persons who meet the following qualifications:

  1. Those persons subject to severe trafficking (the use of force, fraud, or coercion for sex trafficking and/or involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery
  2. Those persons who are physically present in the U.S.
  3. Those persons who the Attorney General and Secretary of DHS agree have complied with a reasonable request by Federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities to assist in the investigation or prosecution of such trafficking or in the investigation of crimes where acts of trafficking are at least one central reason for the crime; AND
  4. Those persons who would "suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm" upon removal.

If you feel that you are a victim of human trafficking please call the GK Law Firm IMMEDIATELY. If you qualify for a T-Visa we will help you in any way we can and will happily provide you with legal services free of charge or at a very nominal rate. We are here to help you-not take your money. Please contact Galorah Keshavarz as soon as possible for a 100% confidential consultation.

U Visas for Victims of Crimes

The "U" nonimmigrant status, or "U" visa, is designated for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse because of the crime and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation of the criminal activity.

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