What is a T Visa?

uscitizenpod: What is a T Visa?




16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. You can learn more at UNWomen.org or checkout Twitter or Instagram hastags #16days, #16daysofactivism, or #OrangeTheWorld

There is no Citizenship interview or quiz today. Instead we are going to talk about the USCIS T Visa: Relief for Victims of Human Trafficking. Listen and learn--there maybe something on this short podcast that you can use to help a friend, a family member, or even a total stranger.

In a few days, we post another podcast about the U Visa: Relief for Victims of Crime, which includes domestic violence. Also check out our Nov 25 blog post about Resources for immigrants Against Gender-Based Violence http://bit.ly/16DaysforImmigrants/

Human trafficking is modern day slavery. The traffickers buy, sell, and exploit people. The victims of human trafficking are forced to sell sex, do hard labor, or work in homes just like slaves.

Because human trafficking is so violent, it is very, very difficult for victims to get help. Many times traffickers threaten to report and deport undocumented victims. With help, a victim can escape the traffickers and becomes a survivor.

To fight against human trafficking, the USCIS issues a T visa, which allows a survivor to stay and work temporarily in the United States. In return, the victim testifies in court against the traffickers. The T Visa can lead to legal permanent status and naturalization for the survivor and his or her immediate family.

Because of the complicated laws involved with human trafficking, a survivor is strongly advised to work with lawyers accredited through the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The lawyers can help the victim fill out USCIS Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status. It is also helpful to include Form I-914, Supplement B, Declaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons.

To learn more about the T Visa, go to USCIS.gov

Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes/victims-human-trafficking-t-nonimmigrant-status

Víctimas de trata de personas: estatus T de no inmigrante
https://www.uscis.gov/es/programas-humanitarios/victimas-de-la-trata-de-personas-y-de-otros-crimenes/victimas-de-trata-de-personas-estatus-t-de-no-inmigrante

To learn more about the U.S. government's work to stop human trafficking, go to https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

If you see someone that you think might be a victim of human trafficking,
call 1-866-347-2423

To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
call, 1-888-373-7888
or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)

Or simply call 911