Protection Options for Victims of Abuse and Crime

Q: What Is VAWA in the US?

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) is a law that allows victims of abuse to obtain legal status in the United States. Despite its name, VAWA protects both women and men who experience abuse from US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Q: Benefits of VAWA

The benefits of VAWA include the ability to obtain permanent residency without needing a sponsor, meaning the victim can file the petition independently, without notifying the abuser. VAWA also provides a renewable work permit every two years, access to a Social Security Number, and deferred action protecting against deportation while the application is processed.

Q: Requirements to Apply for VAWA

To apply for VAWA, the victim must have suffered acts of physical, psychological, emotional, or financial violence committed within the United States. There must also be a marital or blood relationship with the abuser, who must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If the abuser has no immigration status, the victim may consider other options, such as the U Visa.

There are several humanitarian protection mechanisms for victims of abuse, domestic violence, and serious crimes.

These include VAWA, the U Visa, and the T Visa, which provide the opportunity to reside and rebuild your life in the United States. Below, we will explain their benefits, requirements, and how they can help you.

VAWA

Protection Against Abuse and Domestic Violence

What Is VAWA in the US?

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) is a law that allows victims of abuse to obtain legal status in the United States. Despite its name, VAWA protects both women and men who experience abuse from US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Benefits of VAWA

The benefits of VAWA include the ability to obtain permanent residency without needing a sponsor, meaning the victim can file the petition independently, without notifying the abuser.

VAWA also provides a renewable work permit every two years, access to a Social Security Number, and deferred action protecting against deportation while the application is processed.

Requirements to Apply for VAWA

To apply for VAWA, the victim must have suffered acts of physical, psychological, emotional, or financial violence committed within the United States.

There must also be a marital or blood relationship with the abuser, who must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If the abuser has no immigration status, the victim may consider other options, such as the U Visa.

U VISA

Protection for Crime Victims in the US

What Is the U Visa?

The U Visa is a nonimmigrant status that protects victims of certain crimes, allowing them to reside in the United States for up to four years.

This visa is intended for individuals who have been victims of a qualifying crime and have cooperated with authorities in the case investigation.

U Visa Benefits

U Visa holders can legally reside in the United States, work, and, after three years, apply for permanent residency. This status also allows the inclusion of close family members, such as spouses and minor children, in the application.

Requirements to Apply for the U Visa

Requirements include being a victim of a qualifying crime as defined by USCIS, cooperating with the investigation, and the crime occurring within the United States. However, the U Visa is limited to 10,000 beneficiaries per fiscal year, which may result in long waiting periods.

T VISA

Protection for Victims of Human Trafficking

T Visa for Victims of Human Trafficking

The T Visa is a nonimmigrant status designed for victims of human trafficking, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and slavery. The T Visa allows temporary residence in the U.S., access to legal assistance, and eventually the ability to apply for a Green Card.

T Visa Benefits

The T Visa allows you to stay in the country for up to four years, provides work authorization, and access to support services. After a specified period and meeting certain requirements, T Visa holders may apply for permanent residency.

Requirements to Apply for the T Visa

To apply, the victim must have been a victim of human trafficking and cooperate with authorities in the investigation. The individual must also be present in the US or at a port of entry and provide credible evidence, such as police reports or affidavits.

U VISA VS T VISA

Protection Options for Victims of Abuse and Crime

Protection Against Abuse and Domestic Violence

Protection for Crime Victims in the US

Protection for Victims of Human Trafficking

What Is the Difference Between the U Visa and the T Visa?

U VIsa

T Visa

Differences