Philadelphia U Visa Lawyer
U visas allow victims of certain crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, and trafficking to enter the country if they have suffered physical and mental harm and they have helped U.S. government officials investigate the crime. Upon approval for a U visa, individuals are granted immediate legal status in the United States. If you have been the victim of a crime and wish to enter the United States, it is critical that you first speak to a Philadelphia U visa lawyer.
Types of Crimes Eligible for a U Visa
To be eligible for a U visa, the criminal activity must be listed within the U visa statute. Eligible crimes are as follows:
- Torture
- Rape
- Incest
- Trafficking
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Prostitution
- Abusive sexual contact
- Female genital mutilation
- Being held hostage
- Involuntary servitude
- Kidnapping
- Slave trading
- Peonage
- Abduction
- False imprisonment
- Unlawful criminal restraint
- Extortion
- Blackmail
- Felonious assault
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Witness tampering
- Perjury
- Obstruction of justice
- Attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes
Evidence Required for U Visa
U visas are a great option for victims of crime, but a lot of evidence is required before one is granted. The most important evidence in U visa cases includes:
- Evidence that the foreign national is a victim of a qualifying crime,
- Certification from a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, judge, or other federal or state authority that the crime happened in the United States and violated federal or state law
- Proof that the victim suffered physical or mental harm as a result of the criminal activity
- Proof that the foreign national has information regarding the criminal activity in question
- Proof that the applicant is helpful, has been helpful, or is likely to be helpful, in prosecuting criminal activity at a local, state, or federal level
The Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime
Under the law, an investigation or prosecution includes many different elements. The assistance of the victim in detecting, investigating, protecting, convicting, or sentencing of the crime or the individual who allegedly committed it. It is important to note that obtaining a U visa does not require law enforcement to actually investigate the crime beyond simply reporting it. The alleged victim’s cooperation also does not have to result in a conviction. The cooperation must only show that the alleged victim is willing to be helpful, or that they have been helpful in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting criminal activity.
Call Our U Visa Lawyer in Philadelphia for a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of a crime, you may be able to apply for a U visa to enter the United States. The process is extremely complex though, and you should not go through it alone. At Ellenberg Law Group, our Philadelphia U visa lawyer will answer all of your questions, and help you submit your application so no mistakes are made. Call us now at 215-790-1682 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.
