If you are a survivor of human trafficking, you may be eligible for protection, work authorization, and a path to permanent residence under federal law. Our T visa lawyers in New York City help noncitizens in New York City prepare, file, and maintain T Visa applications and related immigration matters.
Mendoza Law Firm represents adults and minors facing labor or sex trafficking, as well as those with prior arrests tied to victimization. We handle filings, evidence development, law enforcement records, waivers, and family derivatives across New York City’s five boroughs.
We’ve helped thousands of people who have been involved in trafficking situations. Get help now from our humanitarian visa lawyers in New York City by contacting us to schedule a consultation.
Understanding The T Visa
A T Visa is a form of humanitarian immigration relief for survivors of a “severe form of trafficking in persons.” While governed by federal law, it matters how your case developed in New York City and how local agencies document your victimization. We help you connect your facts to what USCIS needs to see.
T nonimmigrant status can grant lawful presence in the United States for up to four years, work authorization, certain public benefits, and a path to a green card. To see if your case qualifies for one of these visas, speak with our New York City immigration lawyers.
Who Qualifies For A T Visa In New York City
To qualify, you must show you are or were a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons. The law covers both sex trafficking and labor trafficking, including forced labor, involuntary servitude, debt bondage, and peonage. In New York City, cases often arise from coercive work conditions, forced sex trade, or domestic servitude.
You must also show you are in the United States on account of trafficking, that you would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed, and that you complied with any reasonable request for assistance from law enforcement, unless you were under 18 at the time of victimization or cannot cooperate due to trauma.
Many trafficking survivors have past immigration violations or criminal records caused by traffickers. With T status, you can request a broad waiver where the conduct is connected to the trafficking or where public interest favors relief. We prepare the legal arguments and supporting evidence for these waivers.
Examples Of Qualifying “Severe Form Of Trafficking” In NYC
Trafficking can look different in a large city like New York. Sex trafficking may involve force, fraud, or coercion by pimps, “boyfriend” traffickers, or organized networks operating in apartments, clubs, or massage businesses. Labor trafficking may appear in restaurants, construction sites, cleaning services, private homes, or street vending.
Coercion can be psychological, financial, or legal. Threats of harm, threats to call immigration, confiscation of passports, isolation, or false debts imposed by recruiters all count. Even if you once agreed to travel or take a job, the law looks at what happened after the agreement and how control was exerted over you.
Minors involved in commercial sex are considered trafficking victims without the need to prove force, fraud, or coercion. If your victimization began as a youth in NYC and continued into adulthood, we frame the timeline carefully and request any trauma-related exceptions that apply to cooperation.
Benefits And Limits Of T Status For New Yorkers
T status allows you to live and work lawfully in the United States for up to four years, with extensions possible in narrow situations. You can apply for a Social Security number after receiving work authorization, and you may qualify for certain federally funded benefits tied to trafficking cases. We explain which benefits programs apply to you in New York.
T status also allows you to request travel permission, but international travel can be risky if there are unresolved issues or if you might face harm abroad. We review travel plans, consular steps for derivatives, and any reentry concerns before you purchase tickets. When needed, we update your file with changes in risk.
Your visa status can end if you depart for an extended period without permission or commit certain crimes. Derivative family members must maintain eligibility and may need additional waivers. We keep your case current, file extensions if needed, and monitor any risks that could disrupt your status.
Path From T Visa To A Green Card
After three years in T status, or sooner if the investigation or prosecution is complete, you may be eligible to apply for a green card. You must show continuous physical presence, good moral character, and that you complied with reasonable requests for assistance. We assemble records that prove your time in the U.S. and your cooperation.
Adjustment of status requires a new filing, medical exam, and background checks. If you traveled on advance parole, we document your departures and returns.
If you had immigration court proceedings, we would address their status before filing. Our goal is to present a clean, well-organized package that reflects your progress since approval of T status.
Derivative family members can also adjust once they meet the residency timeline and eligibility criteria. We check each person’s history, any new admissibility issues, and whether risks exist during the green card stage. You stay informed about steps, interviews, and how to maintain employment authorization while the case is pending.
How Our New York City T Visa Attorneys Work With You
We meet you where you are, outline options, and set a practical evidence plan that fits your safety and privacy needs. When language is a barrier, we use trained interpreters and translate key documents into English with proper certifications.
We coordinate with service providers across New York City, including shelters, legal aid partners, and medical or counseling clinics. With your consent, we request records, avoid re-traumatizing interviews, and build a consistent record that supports every legal element. You stay informed of what USCIS will review and why each item matters.
Confidentiality is central to our work. We discuss safe phone numbers, secure email, and how to handle mail. If you move, we update addresses quickly to avoid missed notices. This approach reduces surprises and supports a smoother process from filing to decision.
Local Services And Support For Trafficking Survivors In NYC
New York City offers strong support networks for survivors. City agencies coordinate with community-based organizations to provide shelter, counseling, medical care, and job placement. We connect clients to these services to stabilize housing, health, and safety during the case.
Advocates can provide letters that document trauma, safety concerns, and progress in recovery. These records can be helpful for USCIS when explaining how trafficking affected your decisions and why certain cooperation limits were reasonable. We request letters with your consent and keep sensitive details private.
If you are at immediate risk, we help you contact trusted partners for safety planning. We avoid sharing your address or phone with anyone without your permission. If your trafficker is still a threat, we work with you and your advocates to reduce exposure.
Privacy, Confidentiality, And Trauma-Informed Advocacy
Federal confidentiality rules protect survivors of trafficking. Your application is not public, and there are strict limits on what DHS can share. We still take extra care by using safe contact methods, redacting sensitive information, and limiting disclosures to what the law requires.
We build your declaration with care. You are not required to relive every moment in detail for the application to be strong. We focus on the facts USCIS needs and present them with supportive records, so your case is clear without unnecessary repetition of traumatic events.
If you prefer remote meetings, we offer secure video or phone options. When in-person meetings are better for you, we can schedule at times and locations that fit your needs. Your comfort and safety guide our planning.
Why Hire Our T Visa Lawyer In New York City
Our firm handles humanitarian visa cases every day, including T status, U status, VAWA, and related relief. We know how New York City agencies document trafficking and what kinds of records USCIS often finds persuasive. That insight shapes how we organize your evidence and draft your statement.
We keep the process clear. You receive checklists, filing drafts to review, and realistic timelines. If USCIS asks for more information, we respond with focused documents that answer the specific questions raised.
Communication matters. You get updates at set intervals and after any major development. We offer bilingual support and work with interpreters when needed. You will never be left wondering what comes next in your T Visa case.
Start Your NYC T Visa Case Today
If you survived trafficking in New York City, Attorney Maria can help you. Your path forward can start now. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with a New York City T visa attorney and learn your legal options.
We are ready to help you file for a visa, document your case, and pursue lasting immigration stability in NYC.