Many immigrants come to the United States as a result of their family relationships. Others obtain visas or green cards by virtue of an engagement or marriage to a United States citizen. In both scenarios, immigrants may feel dependent on the person who helped them gain entry into the country.
They may worry that changes in the relationship could affect their immigration status. For example, a foreign national spouse of a citizen may feel like they cannot speak up about domestic violence. They don’t want to lose their conditional green card if they divorce.
Issues with domestic violence and other types of criminal activity can significantly complicate immigration matters. Thankfully, there is a visa program in place to protect those victimized while in the United States. However, those who experience domestic violence and other crimes may need help applying for a U visa.
U visas protect crime victims
Choosing to leave a violent spouse can be much more difficult if that decision also means needing to leave the United States. People who experience crime may not even want to report the matter if they worry about their immigration status. Some criminals use the fear of removal to their advantage by intentionally preying on immigrants.
Victims of crime often feel more comfortable speaking up when they know they don’t have to worry about secondary losses after reporting what they have endured. The U visa program helps protect immigrant spouses and other vulnerable people from criminal activity.
Those who experience crime as immigrants involving spouses or other citizens of the United States can sometimes qualify for a U visa. Crimes ranging from prostitution and domestic violence to kidnapping and forced labor can make an immigrant eligible for a U visa.
Provided that they cooperate with the prosecution of the parties involved in the criminal activity, they can obtain a special visa intended only for crime victims. While living in the United States with a U visa, immigrants can improve their circumstances. They may then become eligible for a green card or other immigration programs. Reviewing criminal incidents with a skilled legal team can help immigrants determine if they might be eligible for U visas. Those who qualify can end dangerous relationships and focus on building a brighter future.