Many immigrants arrive in the United States through the state of Texas seeking legal entry as a refuge from a criminal situation in their native country of residence. The U.S. government understands the plight of others outside the country who are facing violence in their everyday lives. The USCIS has an established program that allows for the legal admission of these foreign nationals of crime-ridden countries, but being granted a visa is not as easy as merely applying. Approval typically requires assistance from an experienced immigration law firm.
Purpose of the U visa legal entry allowance
Receiving a U visa authorization does not come without conditions. Merely stating you came from a crime-ridden country is not sufficient. It is essential that the refugees will also be assisting immigration law enforcement in pinpointing and prosecuting those who are creating unsafe conditions of violence and illegal activity. This typically includes providing truthful information for law enforcement agencies as well as testimony in certain instances.
Processing the application
The first step in receiving a U visa will be submitting the application Form I-918. This is an in-depth multi-component application required by U.S. immigration law that details the exact situation and provides background information on the applicant, including potential former involvement in criminal activity. The applicant must not only be willing to help U.S. law enforcement in solving and prosecuting certain crimes, but the name of the actual law enforcement agency and specific officer that is being assisted must accompany the application as well.
Obtaining assistance
Aside from helping fill out all necessary documentation to gain legal entry, an immigration lawyer can also interpret any information and verify the situation to the government in an acceptable and succinct manner that can help ensure authorization of the U visa. Not all applicants are awarded a U visa for a variety of reasons, and many times the decision is made on a totality of circumstances and the need to prosecute the targeted criminal actors.
