Immigration Status for Victims of Violent or Serious Crime Who Assist the Police
A noncitizen who has been the victim of a violent or serious crime committed in the United States (or outside the U.S. under certain circumstances) may be eligible for lawful immigration status if he or she helped with the investigation and/or prosecution of the case. The victim also must have experienced substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime. Note, the definition of "victim" includes indirect victims (like parents and spouses) in some circumstances.
Scott Mossman regularly assists noncitizens with U visa applications where the crime occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties).
What Types of Crimes Qualify?
Some of the qualifying crimes include felonious assault, domestic violence, sexual assault/rape, false imprisonment/kidnapping, torture, trafficking, incest, prostitution/sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, involuntary servitude, blackmail/extortion, manslaughter/murder, witness tampering/ obstruction of justice, or perjury. Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above crimes also qualifies under the statute. Other similar crimes may also qualify; consult a lawyer for advice.
What Are the Requirements for U Nonimmigrant Status?
The noncitizen must obtain a certification (I-918B) from the law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or judge that affirms the noncitizen was the victim of a violent or serious crime in the U.S. (or outside the U.S. under certain circumstances) and that he or she has helped (or likely will help) with the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime. The noncitizen further must establish that he or she experienced substantial physical or mental harm as a result of the crime. We typically document this with medical records or a psychological evaluation. Finally, the noncitizen must be admissible (eligible for admission) to the U.S. or receive a waiver of inadmissibility from USCIS.
What if the Crime Happened a Long Time Ago?
USCIS has approved U nonimmigrant status in cases where the qualifying crime occurred years ago, even if the crime was committed before Congress passed the law creating the U visa. A victim may run into practical difficulties, however, if a substantial length of time has passed since the crime. For example, the police may have destroyed the crime reports documenting the victim's assistance or the hospital may have destroyed records showing treatment for the injuries. If this documentation is not available, sometimes there are other sources of evidence to support a U petition, especially if the crime resulted in a criminal prosecution. In any case, though, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
What if I Entered the U.S. Illegally or Have a Criminal History or Other Ground of Inadmissibility?
Many people who apply for a U visa are inadmissible under the immigration laws, most commonly for entering the U.S. without inspection (EWI). Other common reasons for a person to be found inadmissible include crimes of moral turpitude, drug crimes or use, prostitution, past misrepresentation to an immigration official, false claims to U.S. citizenship, a prior order of removal, etc. A discretionary waiver exists to forgive almost all of the grounds of inadmissibility. A U petitioner uses form I-192 to request a waiver of inadmissibility. To obtain a waiver, the noncitizen must show that admission would be in the public or national interest. This is a flexible standard that balances the reasons for admission against the negative factors in the noncitizen's history. For example, the waiver is easy to obtain if the only negative factor is entry without inspection. On the other hand, a very high level of hardship and positive discretionary factors may be required for a history of committing crimes involving drugs or violence. Consult a lawyer to determine whether you are inadmissible and to evaluate your chances for obtaining a waiver.
What Family Members May Benefit from an Approved I-918?
In addition to the principal petitioner, that person's spouse and children (unmarried and under the age of 21) may obtain derivative U status if the petitioner files an I-918A for them. If the principal petitioner is under 21 years of age, then he or she may also include his or her parents and brothers and sisters (under age 18) as derivative beneficiaries.
What Forms Are Used?
The form used to request U nonimmigrant status (a U visa) is Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. The petitioner must also submit a Form I-918B (law enforcement certification), as well as Form I-918A for any derivative family members. If the petitioner (or a family member) is inadmissible, then he or she must also submit Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-Immigrant.
How Do I Change from a U Visa to Lawful Permanent Resident Status?
A noncitizen who has been continuously physically present for at least three years in U nonimmigrant status may apply to adjust status to lawful permanent resident status (a green card) if he or she has not unreasonably refused to cooperate in the qualifying criminal investigation or prosecution. The noncitizen must submit an I-485 and supporting documents to adjust status. Note, continuous physical presence is broken by any single absence of more than 90 days or an aggregate total of absences exceeding 180 days, unless the noncitizen obtains a certification from the investigating or prosecuting agency that the absences were necessary for the investigation or prosecution or were otherwise justified. Once a U nonimmigrant breaks physical presence, he or she must reapply for, and obtain, U status to start the three years again.