Human trafficking is one of the most heinous and devastating crimes that affects millions of individuals around the world. In the United States, the fight against this crime has led to the implementation of legal measures designed to protect victims and give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 

Among these measures, the T Visa stands out as a fundamental resource for those people who have been subjected to trafficking and need support to regularize their immigration status.

What is the T Visa?

The T Visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa created by the United States Congress under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). Its objective is to provide protection to people who have been victims of human trafficking, whether for sexual or labor exploitation, and who are in the United States without legal immigration status.

Who is the T Visa for?

The T Visa is designed specifically for victims of trafficking who meet certain requirements. To qualify, a person must:

1. Being a victim of human trafficking: This includes people who have been subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, involuntary servitude, or any other form of trafficking.
2. Being in the United States: The person must be within the United States or its territories.
3. Cooperate with authorities: The victim must be willing to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for trafficking. There are exceptions if the person is under 18 years old or if their cooperation could put their safety at risk.
4. Being physically present in the United States due to trafficking: The person must have been involved in trafficking activities in the United States, regardless of immigration status.

T Visa Benefits

The T Visa provides trafficking victims with various legal benefits and protections that allow them to regain control of their lives. Some of the main benefits are:

1. Permission to live and work legally in the US: By obtaining the T Visa, the person can live and work legally in the United States for a period of up to 4 years. This permission may be extended in certain circumstances.
2. Access to services and support: People with a T Visa have the right to receive assistance such as health services, legal advice, help with housing, and access to social welfare programs.
3. Protection from deportation: Those who qualify for the T Visa cannot be deported from the United States while under this visa. This provides them security and stability while they resolve their immigration situation.
4. Possibility of obtaining a Green Card (Permanent Residence): After three years with the T Visa, the person may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence (Green Card) if they have cooperated with authorities and remain a victim of trafficking.
5. Protection for immediate family members: Members of the trafficking victim’s immediate family (such as spouses, children under 21 years of age, and, in some cases, parents or siblings) may also be eligible to receive the T Visa, providing comprehensive support for the family unit.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of trafficking, it is essential to seek legal help to explore the options available. 

Contact us to discuss your case: https://www.elabogadocardenas.com/en/contact-us/