If you were the victim of a crime in the United States, it is understandable if you are living with fear about your immigration status. Reporting what happened can feel risky, especially if you are undocumented. It’s tough to know what to do, and many victims choose to stay silent.
However, you may have options under U.S. immigration law. A U Visa is designed for crime victims who have cooperated with law enforcement. Our U Visa lawyers in Tempe can handle your case and help you explore a path to legal status and protection for you and your family.
At Mendoza Law, we have helped more than 100,000 people with their immigration challenges in Arizona and nationwide. Call today for your free case evaluation and learn more about how our humanitarian visa lawyers in Tempe can help with your U Visa case.
What Is a U Visa?
The U Visa is a humanitarian visa created to protect immigrants who are victims of certain crimes. It was designed to encourage crime victims to work with police and prosecutors without fear of being deported.
To qualify, you generally must have been the victim of a crime that qualifies and occurred in the United States. You also need to have suffered serious harm as a result of that crime. Our immigration lawyers in Tempe can help you understand if you qualify.
Law enforcement must confirm that you cooperated with the prosecution or investigation of the crime. This certification is a required part of the application process.
How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help?
The U Visa process involves strict requirements, and a misstep with your application can cause delays or even a denial.
While each case is unique, some of the ways our U Visa attorneys in Tempe can help you through this process often include:
- Determining if the crime you experienced qualifies under the U Visa guidelines
- Working with law enforcement on your behalf to obtain the required certification
- Gathering and organizing the evidence needed to support your application
- Preparing your application accurately and submitting it on your behalf
- Responding to any requests for additional evidence
- Advising you on options for family members who may also qualify for protection
While hiring legal help is not a requirement, and legal support does not guarantee a specific outcome, in most cases, it can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
What Types of Crimes Qualify for a U Visa?
Not every crime qualifies for the U Visa. The law lists specific offenses that may make a victim eligible.
Some of the crimes that may qualify include:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault, including rape
- Human trafficking
- Felonious assault
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- Blackmail
- Manslaughter and murder
Any attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the qualifying crimes also counts. If you are not sure if the crime you experienced qualifies, speaking with our legal team can provide clarity and guidance.
What Is the U Visa Application Process?
Applying for a U Visa involves several steps, and the process can take time. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) caps U Visas at 10,000 per year, which means many applicants are placed on a waiting list.
Even so, getting on that list can offer some protection from deportation. The first step is getting a law enforcement certification, known as Form I-918 Supplement B. This form must be signed by a police department, a prosecutor’s office, or other qualifying agency.
Once you have the certification, our Tempe U Visa lawyers can help you prepare and file the full application. This includes gathering evidence of the crime, your cooperation, and the harm you suffered.
How Does a U Visa Help You?
A U Visa can provide legal status in the United States for up to four years. During that time, you may also be eligible to receive a work permit, which allows you to legally earn income.
After holding a U Visa for three years, you may be able to apply for a green card. This is one of the few immigration pathways that can lead to permanent residence for people who entered the country without authorization.
Another benefit of a U Visa is that certain family members may also be eligible for protection under your application. Depending on your age and circumstances, a spouse, children, or parents may qualify for derivative status.
Talk to Our U Visa Attorneys in Tempe
It is already tremendously painful when you are a victim of a crime. When you are also worried about your legal status, it adds another layer of stress that can affect you and your family. Many people in this situation are afraid that coming forward will put them at greater risk.
While it is understandable that you feel that way, you have rights, and you can get help. Our U Visa attorneys in Tempe can review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward a safer future. We handle every case with the compassion our clients deserve.
Our team at Mendoza Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience, advocating for immigrants who have been through serious situations and need real legal guidance. We are here when you are ready to talk. Contact our team for a free evaluation today to get started.