U Visa Attorney in Phoenix
U Visa Attorney in Phoenix
The U visa aims to empower crime victims by enabling them to assist law enforcement in crime investigation and prosecution without fearing deportation. While it doesn't encompass every crime, the U visa does cover offenses such as domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and felony assault, among others.
If you fear your residency is in jeopardy and you are facing deportation because you've become a victim of a serious crime, you must contact an immigration attorney promptly. Attorney Darius Amiri ESQ at Rose Law Group has handled thousands of immigration cases from clients of all nationalities all over the globe. Contact Rose Law Group today and schedule a free consultation so we can help determine your specific needs.
What are the Benefits of Obtaining a U Visa?
The U Visa offers a pathway for non-citizen crime victims who fulfill specific criteria to remain in the United States. By securing a U Visa, eligible individuals can access several benefits, including:
- Legal residency in the U.S. for up to 4 years
- The ability to apply for a Green Card after three years, which can lead to permanent U.S. residency and, eventually, citizenship
- Authorization to work in the country
- Suspension of any ongoing deportation proceedings
- Potential eligibility for certain family members to obtain a U Visa as well
- In some states, public assistance and benefits are available for U Visa holders
What are the Requirements for a U Visa?
The U visa allows an undocumented individual to remain in the U.S. if they have been a victim of a crime. However, several requirements must be met, such as:
- Being a victim of a qualifying crime (explained further below)
- The crime occurring within the U.S. or violating U.S. law
- Experiencing substantial harm due to the crime
- Possessing information about the crime
- Demonstrating cooperation with authorities throughout the investigation
- Being admissible to the U.S., or if deemed inadmissible, applying for a waiver
What are the Qualifying Crimes for a U Visa?
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may be eligible to apply for a U visa if you have experienced certain crimes, such as:
- Abduction
- Abusive sexual contact
- Being held hostage
- Blackmail
- Domestic violence
- Extortion
- False imprisonment
- Felonious assault
- Female genital mutilation
- Fraud in foreign labor contracting
- Incest
- Involuntary servitude
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Obstruction of justice
- Peonage
- Perjury
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Sexual exploitation
- Slave trade
- Stalking
- Torture
- Trafficking
- Witness tampering
- Unlawful criminal
- Restraint
Please note that this is not a complete list of all crimes that qualify for a U visa. Other similar activities or attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations to commit these crimes might also be considered qualifying criminal activities.
To be eligible for a U visa, you must not only be a victim of a crime but also have experienced physical and/or mental harm. Additionally, you must cooperate with law enforcement in various ways, such as calling 911 or providing information about the incident and the perpetrator to the police.
Contact a U Visa Attorney in Phoenix
At Rose Law Group, we understand that discussing a crime you have experienced can be highly distressing. Our immigration team is here to offer support and guidance as you navigate the U Visa application process. Each case is unique, and we tailor our services to meet our client's needs.
Our firm primarily serves the areas of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, and other areas around Maricopa County. If you need an experienced immigration attorney in Arizona, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation, and let us help you through this challenging time.