Affected by Organized Crime? You Could Qualify for a Visa in Palm Beach Gardens

Many assume that if they have a history of involvement with organized crime, they’ll never have a chance to settle legally in the United States. However, some people could use their past involvement with crime to their advantage when seeking immigration visas. This may apply to those who have been victimized by criminals and those who have actively participated in criminal activities. To learn more about your options, consider a consultation with an immigration lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens.

U Nonimmigrant Status 

A U visa is specifically geared toward victims of certain crimes. These crimes generally involve domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. In order to take advantage of this visa opportunity, you may need to cooperate with law enforcement in the United States and assist them with their investigations.

You also need to prove that you actually suffered physical or mental harm as a result of this criminal behavior. An immigration lawyer may be able to help you gather the necessary evidence. Note that this visa only applies to victims of crimes that occurred within the United States – and you must demonstrate a willingness to help law enforcement with their investigations or prosecutions.

S Nonimmigrant Status 

An “S visa” could be a viable option for witnesses and informants who have been involved with organized crime. The “S visa” is sometimes referred to as the “Snitch Visa” for obvious reasons. Note that a law enforcement agency must apply for permanent residence on your behalf, so the actual process is out of your hands.

You must cooperate with the agency before receiving your visa, and this will likely involve providing information that leads to arrests. Note that you can still pursue this visa even if you have a criminal past, making it one of the few exceptions to the inadmissibility of convicted felons.

T Nonimmigrant Status 

T visas are reserved for victims of human trafficking. If you were victimized by a human trafficking ring and you were brought to the United States against your will, you could remain in the country and eventually gain permanent residence. You must prove that you were affected by a serious form of human trafficking, such as forced labor or sexual exploitation. In addition, you must establish that you would face harm if you were deported from the country. Finally, you must agree to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigations of human trafficking.

Can a Palm Beach Gardens Immigration Lawyer Help Me? 

A Palm Beach Gardens immigration lawyer may be able to guide you toward a positive outcome if you have been involved with criminal activities in the past. If you are willing to cooperate with law enforcement, a new home in the United States could be your reward. Alternatively, victims of organized crime can pursue special visas. To learn more about these options, consider a consultation with The Devore Law Group today.

Sources: 

uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status

uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-an-informant-s-nonimmigrant