More Immigration Services

Our immigration law firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to victims of qualifying crimes through specialized immigration benefits such as the U visa, a type of nonimmigrant visa designed for crime victims, as well as S visa and T visa programs. We assist clients who have suffered physical or mental abuse and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity, helping them navigate complex application processes with the legal guidance of an experienced immigration attorney or visa lawyer to secure temporary legal status and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. Additionally, we offer guidance on related protections like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and asylum, while also representing clients in removal proceedings and helping them apply for various immigration benefits. Our experienced attorneys provide legal guidance and support specifically for crime victims seeking immigration relief to ensure victims and their families receive the protection and immigration relief they deserve.

Crime Victim Visas (U-Visa, S-Visa, T-Visa)

A U-visa, also known as a U nonimmigrant visa, is part of a program created by the Violence Protection Act to protect crime victims. The U visa process involves several steps, including obtaining certification from a law enforcement agency and submitting supporting documents such as police reports and medical records. The first step of the U visa application process is to request a U visa certification form from the law enforcement office you helped.

Victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens, and other related crimes eligible crimes, may qualify for a U visa if they have suffered mental or physical abuse. To apply for a U visa, the victim of a crime must assist law enforcement officials or a law enforcement agency in the investigation or prosecution of a qualifying crime or qualifying criminal activity. Eligible crimes must have occurred in the U.S. or its territories, or violate U.S. law. The visa application process requires submitting a U visa application and supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An experienced U visa attorney can provide legal guidance throughout the visa process and help ensure a successful visa application.

Obtaining U visa status grants nonimmigrant status and temporary visa status, which can eventually lead to a green card. The U visa allows you to remain in the U.S. for four years and eventually apply for a green card. U visa holders may also be eligible for an employment authorization document while their application is pending. Experienced visa attorneys can assist with the immigration case, including representation in deportation proceedings if necessary.

S-visas are available for witnesses or informants who are aiding law enforcement in a crime investigation. T-visas are available for people who have suffered severe human trafficking and are willing to help law enforcement detect, investigate and prosecute human trafficking. Each of these visas include a pathway to residency and eventually citizenship after complying with the terms of the visa for a specified amount of time.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Victims of battery or extreme cruelty committed by immediate family members, such as a spouse, children, and sometimes parents, of legal status may be eligible to become lawful permanent residents by self-petitioning under the federal Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA. VAWA self-petitioners can file without the knowledge or consent of the abusive family member. Immediate family members include current and former spouses, parents, or children; however, the abuser must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. In some cases, derivative family members may also qualify for certain benefits, such as employment authorization, if the principal applicant is approved. Obtaining lawful permanent residence through VAWA is a two-step process and many VAWA self-petitioners are eligible to adjust within the United States.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. TPS provides work authorization and a stay of deportation to nationals of specifically designated countries that are confronting an ongoing armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, or extraordinary conditions. The countries covered under TPS are subject to change and are only eligible for certain periods of time.

DACA

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is for individuals without lawful status who were brought over as children and have continuously resided in the United States. An individual who has been granted deferred action through DACA has authorization to be present in the United States lawfully and may receive employment authorization and advance parole for travel.

Asylum

Asylum is legal protection to foreign nationals already in the United States. An asylum seeker is someone who fled their home country due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of being persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. There are two ways to apply for asylum in the United States: affirmatively and defensively. A person not in removal proceedings may affirmatively apply for asylum through USCIS at a designated asylum office. A person who is in removal proceedings may apply for asylum defensively with an immigration judge. Those granted asylum are eligible for work authorization and can live in the United States permanently and gain a path to citizenship for themselves and family members.

Removal Proceedings

Removal proceedings (also known as deportation proceedings) are initiated when the U.S. government has decided to remove an individual from the United States. This legal process is also known as a deportation proceeding and is carried out by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The individual in removal proceedings must appear before an immigration judge. During these proceedings, eligible individuals can apply for various immigration benefits including cancellation of removal, adjustment to lawful permanent status and certain waivers of inadmissibility, and asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If granted, the individual receives relief from removal or deportation.

Immigration Services and Support

We provide assistance with a broad spectrum of immigration benefits, including U visas, S visas, T visas, petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), asylum claims, and removal defense. Our skilled attorneys support clients through eligibility assessments, application procedures, coordination with law enforcement, and obtaining temporary or permanent legal status. Dedicated to safeguarding the rights of victims and their families, we help them navigate the complexities of immigration law to secure safety, stability, and lawful residency.

The Importance of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

The experienced team of immigration law professionals at Siri & Glimstad LLP understands the importance of this process and has the tools and knowledge to guide you through it as efficiently as possible.

At Siri & Glimstad LLP, we have represented thousands of clients in immigration matters. Our motto is simple – Dedication, Efficiency, and Commitment to the end goal.

We also handle other types of immigration cases including:

• Adjustment of status cases with and without vaccine waiver
• Consular cases with vaccine waiver
• Employment based visas
• Asylum
• Fiancé Visas

If you or a loved one need help with any issues concerning immigration, please contact us by filling in the form or call us directly at 212-532-1091. Hablamos español.