Victims of crime
U-VISA & VAWA
What is a U-Visa?
Status U is reserved for victims of certain crimes that involve mental or physical abuse. It was created through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000.
The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of people, and other crimes while, at the same time, offer protection to victims of such crimes.
The legislation also helps law enforcement agencies to better serve victims of crimes.
U-Visa
- Victims of Domestic Violence
- Victims of Rape
- Victims of Human Trafficking
Our office has helped nearly 100 hundred people with their U-Visa applications. Sadly, many immigrants are crime victims.
If an immigrant has fallen victim to robbery, assault, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, blackmail, kidnapping and many other serious crimes, they may qualify for a U-Visa.
The visa has a ton of advantages. Recipients can be forgiven multiple entries without permission and prior crimes. U-Visa applicants can also include their spouse and children on their applications.
We have been incredibly successful in obtaining law enforcement certifications and we always help with this step as well as locating police reports. There is no time limit on this type of Visa. Even if you were a victim 20 years ago, you still may be eligible.
The Jaskot Law U-Visa Method
Our goal is to make sure that our clients get their status as quickly as possible. At the same time, we also want to make sure that the U-Visa is possible before clients spend their hard earned money. Accordingly, we charge a low payment for certification before we begin the U-Visa. After the certification is received, we can break up the U-Visa and the available waiver into two parts to make it more affordable.
VAWA
Some victims of domestic violence are eligible for a visa based on VAWA.
VAWA has a ton of advantages for applicants including its speed compared to other humanitarian visas. Unlike the U-Visa, there is also no requirement for a police report or a police signature.
The two critical criteria for VAWA is that the abuser was the victim’s spouse or child. The abuser also has to be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.
Evidence is the key to winning a VAWA case and we know how to help you get your documents together in a compelling narrative. We work with therapists and other resources to help you get the assistance you need and strengthen your case.
The Power and Control wheel illustrates how many forms of abuse exist. Please let us help you understand if your case makes you eligible for VAWA.
OTHER SERVICES
T-Visa
We Can Provide Legal Support And Help Apply For A T-Visa For Victims Of Human Trafficking And Their Family.
Family Based Immigration
Let Us Help You With Family Based Immigration Processes. Bring Your Family To The United States Or Help Your Family Member That Is Already In The United States Change Their Status.
Asylum
For Those Fleeing Their Country Of Origin, We Can Help Stop Refugee Deportation And Determine Whether You Are Eligible For Asylum In The United States Of America.
Frequently asked questions:
A U visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa available to individuals who have been victims of certain crimes and have cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. To be eligible for a U visa, the victim must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime and must be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law that provides protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. Individuals who have been subjected to abuse by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child may be eligible for relief under VAWA, including the ability to self-petition for a green card without the abuser's knowledge or consent.
When applying for a U visa or VAWA relief, applicants must provide documentation to prove their eligibility, including evidence of the crime, evidence of their cooperation with law enforcement, and evidence of the abuse or violence they have suffered. This may include police reports, medical records, affidavits from witnesses or experts, and other types of evidence. Applicants must also undergo a background check and may need to attend an interview with immigration officials.
