Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth Immigration U-Visa Lawyers

A U-Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for victims of crimes and their immediate family members. This type of visa provides immigration benefits for victims of specific crimes in the United States. Created by Congress in 2005, the intention of the U-Visa is to help victims who have suffered mental or physical abuse as the result of the crime. Some of the most important requirements to be eligible for a U-Visa include:

  • The alien must be a victim of a qualifying crime, as outlined by the U.S. government. These crimes include:
    • Domestic violence
    • Sexual assault or abuse
    • Human trafficking
    • Obstruction of justice
    • Witness tampering
    • Kidnapping
    • Extortion
    • Assault
    • The solicitation to commit any of these crimes
  • Because of one of the crimes listed above, the victim has suffered mental or physical abuse
  • The victim has information about the crime that he or she is willing to share with law enforcement to prosecute the person responsible for committing the crime
  • The crime was committed in the United States
  • The crime violated U.S. law
  • A government official has signed a document stating the victim assisted in the criminal case

If you were the victim of a crime in the United States and would like to learn more about obtaining a U- Visa, contact experienced U-Visa immigration attorney Moises Briseño and Associates at Toro Law immediately to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We are compassionate, we speak fluent English and Spanish, and are dedicated to your wellbeing. If you came to the United States to pursue a better life, only to be victimized, we can help. We will help you determine if you are a victim of a qualifying crime and, if so, what the next step is in applying for a U-Visa. In certain situations, we can also provide legal status approval for your spouse, minor children, and parents with your U-Visa approval.

Benefits of a U Visa

Being awarded a U-Visa means you will have lawful immigration status in the United States, which includes the ability to work and apply for a Social Security number. After three years, the applicant can apply for permanent residency, or a green card. It is important to keep in mind that even individuals who have past criminal records or have violated immigration laws, can apply for a U-Visa. The only people who may not be eligible for a U-visa are those who have entered the country illegally or have a criminal record that makes them “inadmissible” in the U.S., however, there are certain “Waivers” available to submit for approval for individuals who have been deported in the past or have criminal convictions.

When you contact Toro Law for help with a U-Visa, we will start by ensuring you have all the documentation necessary to establish specific legal elements required. One of our main roles in this process is working with law enforcement, and mental health professionals to obtain documentation that will prove you were a victim of a crime, and that you have cooperated with law enforcement. If you find yourself in this situation in Illinois or Texas, please contact Toro Law today and schedule an appointment to learn more about your right to pursue a U visa. Additionally, because immigration is federal law, we can also help individuals who live outside of Illinois and Texas as well.