U Visa / VAWA / T Visa

U Visa

The U Visa protects people who were victims of a violent crime and who cooperated with the authorities after having suffered substantial physical or emotional harm. Examples of crimes that qualify for the U visa are: Domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, abduction, robbery with a firearm, etc.

VAWA

VAWA allows spouses, childrens and parents victims of domestic abuse to apply for a special visa. Victims must apply for themselves, and don’t need to notify the abuser at all.

T Visa

If you have been exploited in your workplace, been forced to work for less pay than you were promised, or if your working conditions were harsh, abusive, and you were treated badly based on your race or immigration status, the T Visa may be an option that is available to you.

We are here to help you!
Start your path to full citizenship today.

U Visa

If you have been the victim of a crime in the United States, then the U Visa could be a possible way for you to gain legal status in the United States. If you win a U Visa, you will win a work permit and a social security number. The great thing about the U Visa is that your entire family may be able to qualify under your petition, including your spouse and children.

First, you must obtain a police certification asserting that you have been the victim of a crime and you have cooperated with law enforcement. Then, you will need to apply for the U visa with the department of immigration. With the U visa application, you will be able to apply for a waiver of all the reasons why you could be deportable. The U visa application form is the I-918. When the visa is approved, you will receive an employment authorization valid for 4 years. After 3 years, you will have the opportunity to apply for residency through the adjustment of status process.


WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
  • You were the victim of a violent crime.
  • You suffered severe physical or emotional harm as a result of being a victim of criminal activity.
  • You have information about criminal activity. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian or close friend may process the information about the crime on your behalf.
  • You have cooperated with the authorities and are willing to continue cooperating with the police authorities to pursue the criminal who attacked you.
  • The crime occurred inside of the United States or violated the laws of the United States.
  • You have not committed a crime that makes you deportable.
  • You are admissible and if not, you can ask for a pardon or waiver.

If you have been the victim of a crime, please call us
so we can determine if the U Visa is the right option for you.
Call us at (775) 826-2380.
Start your application TODAY.

VAWA

Intrafamily violence is a common matter in many families, and because it is so common, oftentimes people are living in domestic violence situations that they do not even recognize it. It is normal and the “status quo.” Even people who do recognize it are often fearful of speaking with a lawyer about it because they do not want to cause any problems for their family members.

At the Law Offices of Karen S. Monrreal, we have filed and won several I-360 VAWA cases.

We are dedicated to helping our clients gain legal status in the United States who have experienced domestic violence or abuse through the use of the I-360 VAWA. Domestic violence, and the standard of “extreme cruelty or battery” required for the I-360 VAWA, do not actually require physical violence. Some lawyers fail to seek I-360 VAWA relief for their clients because they mistakenly believe that it requires physical violence or police reports. The I-360 VAWA requires neither. If you are separated from a US citizen or lawful permanent resident or have divorced from one in the last two years or less, then you can also apply. Another overlooked part of the I-360 VAWA is that parents can apply IF they have suffered abuse or extreme cruelty or violence from their children. Physical violence is not required.
Here are JUST some examples of intrafamily violence that may allow you to qualify for the I-360 VAWA:
IF YOUR SPOUSE OR CHILD WHO IS 21 OR OLDER
  • Threatens to call immigration on you
  • Threatens to make false police reports against you
  • Actually does call the police to make a fake report against you (we have seen this many times for our clients who have gone to jail for false accusations of domestic violence)
  • Controls all of your money and does not allow you to spend it as you wish
  • Monitors your personal cell phone and social media
  • Forbids you from having your own social media sites
  • Forces you to have all conversations on speakerphone so s/he can listen
  • Does not allow you to send money to support your family
  • Interferes with your ability to use birth control
  • Always wants to know where you are every moment of the day
  • Treats you like a servant or maid (we see this a lot with grown children who live with their parents)
  • Abuses alcohol and drugs

These are just some different examples and red flags. If you feel any of the above might apply to your situation, we can help you evaluate your case.

We understand that some situations are very personal and difficult and that is why everything you discuss with our firm is absolutely confidential.
We understand. We are here for YOU.

T VISA

If you have been exploited in your workplace, been forced to work for less pay than you were promised, or if your working conditions were harsh, abusive, and you were treated badly based on your race or immigration status, the T Visa may be an option that is available to you.


The T Visa is also an option for people who have been in domestic violence situations where they were forced to work in the home and not allowed to leave the house or where they were forced to work outside of the home and turn over all of their money. No police report is required, which makes it a great option for people who never reported due to fear of what would happen to them.

There are other circumstances where you can get a T Visa.

If you win a T Visa, you get a work permit and a social security number. After that, we can help you apply for your green card or lawful permanent residence.

If you would like to see if you could qualify for a T Visa,
give us a call at (775) 826-2380.

We are here to help you!
Start your path to full citizenship today.

PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS

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Immigrants With
Integrity And
Compassion

We work tirelessly for our immigrant clients around the world. Our work focuses on the Immigration Laws of the United States.