Humanitarian Relief

 

U-Visas

  1. Things to Consider:

    • The U-Visa is an immigration humanitarian relief for survivors of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime that was committed against them.
    • To be eligible for a U-Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
      • Be a victim of a qualifying crime (the full list of enumerated crimes is listed below and can be found under section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act);:
        • Rape
        • Torture
        • Trafficking
        • Incest
        • Domestic Violence
        • Sexual Assault
        • Abusive Sexual Contact
        • Prostitution
        • Sexual Exploitation
        • Stalking
        • Female Genital Mutilation
        • Being held Hostage
        • Peonage
        • Involuntary Servitude
        • Slave Trade
        • Kidnapping
        • Abduction
        • Unlawful Criminal Restraint
        • False Imprisonment
        • Blackmail
        • Extortion
        • Manslaughter
        • Murder
        • Felonious Assault
        • Witness Tampering
        • Obstruction of Justice
        • Perjury
        • Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
          • *Includes any similar activity where the elements of the crime are substantially similar
          • *Also includes attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes
      • Be cooperative with the investigation or prosecution of the crime that was committed against you;
        • Being cooperative could mean calling 911, answering officers’ questions at the scene of the crime, identifying suspects, providing a written, verbal, or recorded statement, allowing officers to take photos of your injuries, staying in contact with the detectives and prosecuting attorney, and/or testifying in court.
      • Suffered physical, mental, financial, and/or psychological harm as a result of the criminal activity;
      • The crime occurred in the United States; and
      • Be admissible to the United States (if you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver).
    • Certain family members may be included in your U-Visa application even if he or she was not a victim of the crime.
    • If you are granted a U-Visa, it is valid for four years. You may be able to apply for permanent resident status three years after you are granted a U-Visa.
  2. How We Can Help

    • At The Law Office of Tanya Fekri we handle U-Visa cases with the utmost sensitivity and compassion.
    • It can be devastating when you or a family member has been a victim of a criminal activity. Please contact our office today and allow us to assist you and your love ones with your U-Visa case. Call 425-240-8643 or fill out our contact form on this page.

VAWA Cases

  1. Things to Consider

    • The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is another immigration humanitarian relief that allows for survivors of domestic violence to self-petition for their permanent resident status, without the abuser’s knowledge.
    • VAWA affords protection for survivors of domestic violence who are (or were):
      • Married in good faith to U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, Children of U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, or Parents of U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents;
      • Have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the abuser (abuse can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, or verbal);
      • Reside or have resided with the abuser (length of time does not matter); and
      • Have good moral character
  2. How We Can Help

    • If you are experiencing abuse by your US Citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or immediate relative and he or she is threatening to withhold your immigration status, contact our office immediately to set up an appointment and we can help determine if you are eligible for relief under VAWA.
    • Call 425-240-8643 or fill out our contact form on this page.

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