Human trafficking is a serious crime that causes physical and emotional trauma. If you are a victim, a Melissa humanitarian visa lawyer can help you apply for a visa.
The T Visa exists to give victims of human trafficking a lawful path to safety in the United States. A T Visa lawyer in Melissa from Mendoza Law can assist with your application, liaise with law enforcement, and help you pursue legal status.
The Role of a Melissa T Visa Lawyer
Working with a Melissa T Visa lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is prepared and presented. A lawyer can manage communications with law enforcement, gather documentation to prove your story, and help you avoid common application mistakes.
A lawyer can also guide you through the process of applying for a green card after three years of having a T Visa.
For a free case evaluation with a t visa lawyer serving Melissa, call +1 (202) 933-3379
Am I Eligible for a T Visa?
To qualify for a T Visa, you must meet these requirements:
- Victim of severe trafficking: You must demonstrate that you were subjected to sex trafficking or labor trafficking as defined under U.S. law.
- Physical presence in the United States: You must be physically present in the U.S. because of the trafficking or related law enforcement activity.
- Cooperation with law enforcement: You must show you have complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement to assist in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking crimes, unless you are under 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma.
- Extreme hardship if removed: You must prove that returning to your home country would cause extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm.
A Melissa immigration lawyer can listen to your story, evaluate your circumstances, and determine whether you qualify for a T Visa.
Melissa T Visa Lawyer Near Me +1 (202) 933-3379
Types of Human Trafficking Covered by a T Visa
Not every exploitative situation qualifies as human trafficking under immigration law. A T Visa is reserved for victims of severe forms of trafficking, which generally fall into two categories:
- Sex trafficking: This involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or obtaining of a person for a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion. In cases involving minors, coercion does not need to be proven.
- Labor trafficking: This involves forced labor or services obtained through threats, abuse of power, debt bondage, or other forms of coercion. Common examples include domestic servitude, agricultural labor, construction, and restaurant work under exploitative conditions.
Click to contact our Humanitarian Visa Lawyers in Melissa today
How the T Visa Application Process Works
The T Visa application process can be lengthy. It typically involves multiple forms, personal statements, and supporting evidence. The core of the application is Form I-914, along with various supplements depending on your situation.
Types of evidence you need to gather may include police reports, court records, affidavits, medical records, psychological evaluations, or statements from social service providers. There is no requirement that a trafficker be convicted, but the evidence must clearly support your claim that trafficking occurred.
You may also request employment authorization while your case is pending. Once approved, a T Visa is typically valid for up to four years.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Benefits of a T Visa
A T Visa offers more than just temporary permission to stay in the U.S. It provides meaningful protections and long-term opportunities for survivors, including:
- Lawful status: Approved applicants can remain legally in the United States.
- Work authorization: T Visa holders can obtain authorization to work and support themselves.
- Access to benefits: Many T Visa recipients qualify for certain public benefits and services.
- Path to a green card: After meeting residency and cooperation requirements, T Visa holders may apply for lawful permanent residence.
- Protection for family members: Certain qualifying family members may be included or apply separately for derivative status.
Can Family Members Be Included in a T Visa?
Yes, certain family members may be eligible for derivative T Visa status if you apply. In many cases, spouses, children, parents, and even unmarried siblings under 18 qualify.
A T Visa attorney in Melissa can review your case and explain whether you can include relatives in your application.
What Happens After a T Visa Is Approved?
After approval, T visa holders can work legally, access services, and begin planning for permanent residency. After three years of continuous presence in the U.S., or once a trafficking investigation is complete, eligible applicants may apply for a green card.
Maintaining compliance with the terms of your visa and staying informed about deadlines is important during this period.
Speak to a T Visa Attorney in Melissa
Trafficking survivors deserve protection, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives without fear. If you intend to apply for a visa, a Melissa T Visa attorney from Mendoza Law can provide the guidance and support you need to obtain legal status.
Call now to talk to a lawyer and get help with your application.
Call or text +1 (202) 933-3379 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
