If you have been abused by a spouse or other qualifying family member, have been the victim of certain crimes and suffered substantial injury, or been the victim of trafficking, the following options may be available to you to obtain lawful status in the United States:
Victims of Abuse:
You may self-petition for a Green Card, if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed against you by a U.S. citizen / Permanent Resident spouse or former spouse, a U.S. citizen / Permanent Resident parent, or a U.S. citizen son or daughter. Your minor children will be eligible to apply for their green cards as your dependent.
Victims of Crimes:
You may be eligible for U nonimmigrant status (U visa) if you have been a victim of certain crimes, have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. You will be eligible to apply for your green card after holding U visa status for three years. Your spouse and minor children will be eligible to obtain U visas and eventually their green cards as your derivative. If you are a minor child (under 21 years of age), your spouse, children, parents and unmarried siblings under age 18 may obtain U visa status as your derivative.
Victims of Trafficking:
You may be eligible for T nonimmigrant status (T visa) if you have been a victim of a severe form of human trafficking (sex trafficking and/or labor trafficking) and have assisted law enforcement in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking. Certain qualifying family members may be eligible for T nonimmigrant status as your derivative. T nonimmigrants who qualify may also be able to adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents (obtain a Green Card).
There may be options for you to obtain your legal status in the United States as the victim of abuse, crimes or trafficking. Contact us to speak with an Attorney to determine what options may be available to you.
