If you were a victim of a serious crime, the U Visa may offer a path to lawful status. A Prosper humanitarian visa lawyer can help you put together a strong petition.
Many visa applicants are eligible on paper but get delayed or denied because they misunderstand federal requirements. A U Visa lawyer in Prosper from Mendoza Law can assist with your application and give you the best possible odds of attaining legal status.
Why Do I Need a Prosper U Visa Lawyer?
While you don’t technically have to have a lawyer to petition for a U Visa, the application process is complex. A poorly prepared petition can add years to the time you have to wait to receive legal status.
A Prosper U Visa lawyer can confirm that you were a victim of a qualifying crime, help you fill out a complete application, and communicate with law enforcement agencies about certification. They can also identify immigration issues that might require waivers, such as prior removal orders or unlawful entry.
Who Is the U Visa For?
A U Visa is a non-immigrant visa created to protect victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have been helpful to law enforcement.
Congress designed the visa to encourage crime victims to come forward without fear of deportation, especially when the crime involved domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
The U Visa provides several key benefits. Approved applicants receive lawful status, authorization to work in the United States, and protection from removal. After meeting certain requirements, U Visa holders may also become eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Crimes That Can Qualify You for a U Visa
Not every crime qualifies you for a U Visa. The offense must fall within a specific list defined by federal law. Some of the most common qualifying crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, abduction, and human trafficking. Other qualifying crimes include felonious assault, extortion, blackmail, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.
A Prosper immigration lawyer can assess your situation and determine whether you are eligible to apply for a visa.
Which Family Members Qualify for a U Visa?
Federal law allows certain family members to obtain derivative U Visa status. Which relatives qualify depends on your age as the applicant. In general, spouses and children may qualify, and in some cases, parents or unmarried siblings may also be included.
Each family member must submit separate forms and documentation. Mistakes in derivative filings are common and can delay or jeopardize your entire case, which is why it’s crucial to work with a lawyer.
The Law Enforcement Certification Requirement
One of the most critical parts of the U Visa process is the law enforcement certification. This document, known as Form I-918 Supplement B, must be signed by a qualifying law enforcement agency.
In Prosper, this agency may be the Prosper Police Department, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, or a prosecutor’s office involved in the case. The certification confirms that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and were helpful to the investigation or prosecution.
Law enforcement agencies are not required to sign certifications, and each agency has its own policies and procedures. A U Visa attorney in Prosper can help obtain the certification you need for your application.
The U Visa Application Process
The U Visa process requires patience. After gathering evidence and securing a law enforcement certification, you will submit a package to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This package must include personal statements, proof of the crime, proof of harm, and documentation of cooperation.
Since Congress caps the number of U Visas issued each year, most applicants are placed on a waiting list. While waiting, you may receive deferred action and work authorization. You may have to wait years to receive a decision on your application.
Work Authorization and Protection From Deportation
One of the biggest benefits of the U Visa process is the possibility of work authorization. Even while on the waiting list, many applicants eventually receive permission to work legally in the United States.
This can be life-changing for victims who have been financially dependent on an abuser or who have been working under the table.
Deferred action also provides protection from deportation while your application is pending. This can enable you to rebuild your life without constant fear of immigration enforcement.
Contact a U Visa Attorney in Prosper
The U Visa process is long, technical, and emotionally demanding, but it can also provide safety, work authorization, and a future free from fear.
If you intend to apply, a Prosper U Visa attorney from Mendoza Law can guide you through the process, help you obtain law enforcement certification, and do everything possible to win you legal status.
Call now to start building your petition.