Humanitarian Visas
Raleigh Visa Attorneys
Humanitarian visas are granted to individuals in dangerous or extreme circumstances who seek to enter the U.S. for relief and safety. These types of visas are also known as “humanitarian parole,” and allow an individual to reside in the U.S. on a temporary basis.
The USCIS offers these types of visas to aid non-U.S. citizens suffering from urgent threats like abuse, violence, natural disasters, or serious medical condition that cannot be addressed in their home country. Anyone is eligible to apply, but the USCIS will evaluate whether or not the applicant’s situation warrants a humanitarian visa, which is reserved for emergency circumstances.
If you are in need of a humanitarian visa, call our experienced and compassionate visa lawyers in Raleigh today: (919) 355-5134.
Trafficking and T-Visa
Victims of Human Trafficking and their families may seek refuge by applying for the T Visa. T nonimmigrant status protects victims of trafficking in the U.S. who agree to help law enforcement agencies investigate the trafficking. Individuals who would experience significant trauma by cooperating with law enforcement in this way are exempt from this condition, and may be eligible for the visa without having to assist in the investigation. T Visas provide temporary status for up to four years.
Abuse and VAWA
If you are suffering under abuse from a spouse, parent, or child, and the abuser is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may file an immigration visa petition to seek relief. Spouses, children, and parents who are victims of domestic violence may be eligible for a humanitarian visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
If you file for the visa while overseas, at least one of the following situations must apply:
- The abuser is an employee of the U.S. government
- The abuser is a member of the uniformed services
- You were subjected to battery or extreme cruelty in the United States
U Visas
If you were the victim of a serious crime that took place in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws, you and your family may apply for a U Visa to seek temporary, legal residence in the U.S. The main condition for maintaining legal status under a U Visa is that you cooperate with U.S. law enforcement to provide helpful information regarding the crime you suffered so that they can conduct investigations or pursue prosecution. In order to qualify, a law enforcement agency will need to sign a “certification of helpfulness” that confirms you have been helpful to law enforcement, are being helpful, or will likely be helpful in the future.
Are you Seeking Refuge in the U.S.?
A decision will be made about your application within 90-120 days, or potentially faster if your case is more urgent. There is a $575 filing fee for submitting the Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you are unable to afford this, you may submit an I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, which should demonstrate your inability to pay the fee.
At Gardner Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping individuals in need find the relief and safety they need. We can help you file the necessary paperwork to obtain a humanitarian visa and guide you through every step of the process. Our Raleigh visa attorneys are thorough and knowledgeable in all aspects of immigration law, and are passionate about serving their clients’ needs.
Send us a message online today to tell us about your situation, or call us at (919) 355-5134 for a consultation!
