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What is the T Visa?

Unfortunately, human exploitation remains very common today. Many people are exploited at work, when crossing the border, or suffer from domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Often, victims do not realize the extent of this abuse or that they have been affected, as those who exploit them work hard to "normalize" these situations, preventing their victims from recognizing that they have rights.

Our mission is to guide our clients through the process of telling their stories and applying for the T Visa. To qualify, a person does not need to be currently in an exploitative situation, as this visa provides immigration relief even to those who have been victims in the past. In our firm, we help both those who have suffered exploitation and those in emergency situations. 

The T Visa is a non-immigrant visa that provides immigration protection for those who have been exploited and their immediate family members, allowing them to legalize their immigration status and stay and work temporarily in the United States. Additionally, the T Visa can also create a pathway to obtain permanent residency (a "Green Card").

Indicators of Exploitation:

This is NOT a complete list; these are just some of the factors that indicate exploitation:

• Not being paid properly (unpaid or underpaid), having your hours cut, or not being paid overtime because you don’t have papers.
• Living with your employer.
• Your employer has told you that you have a "debt" to them and that you have to pay it off through your work.
• Poor living/working conditions.
• Your employer has threatened to call the police or immigration if you leave or file a complaint.
• Your employer forced you to keep working and promised to pay you later, but never did.
• Living in overcrowded conditions with many people in a small space.
• You made arrangements with someone to cross the border, planning to be brought to the United States, but instead of being set free upon arrival, you were forced to stay in a house. You were made to do domestic work, like cleaning, laundry, or cooking for others.
• You were told that you owed much more money than you were originally told and that to pay off this debt, you had to work for them.
• During the journey, once in the U.S., those who helped you cross forced you to carry bags, suitcases, or watch over other people.
• You received unwanted attention from those who helped you cross; they limited your access to food and water, and you had to "earn" them.
• You were not allowed to speak to anyone alone.
• Physical abuse.
• Feeling like a servant in a current or past relationship.
• Having suffered domestic violence.
• Your employer or a partner took away your identification documents.
• Feeling submissive or afraid.
• Feeling exploited, forced, or coerced.
• Feeling forced into having sexual relations or prostitution.

These are just a few examples and warning signs. If you believe any of the above may apply to your situation, we can help you evaluate your case.

We understand that some situations are very personal and difficult, but we assure you that everything you share with us is completely confidential. Our legal team is made up of attorneys and professionals specializing in these types of cases.

Benefits of the T Visa*

• Protection from being arrested, detained by immigration, or deported while your case is pending.
• Receive a temporary work permit while your case is pending. This is possible through the Bona Fide Determination process.
• Receive your final work permit once the T Visa is approved.*
• After 1 to 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency (a "Green Card").
• Even if you entered the U.S. "illegally," you may still be eligible for residency.
• If you have been deported in the past, you may still qualify to obtain residency.
• Even if you entered multiple times, you may still be eligible for residency after the T Visa is approved.
• You may qualify to apply for residency even if you have criminal convictions.
• There is a possibility of obtaining travel authorization (Advance Parole) once your T Visa is approved, allowing you to leave and return to the U.S. legally.
• You may be able to obtain non-immigrant status for your family members as derivatives of the T Visa.

Additionally, there are other public benefits you may receive:

• Housing assistance
• Food assistance
• Income assistance
• Employment assistance
• English classes
• Healthcare assistance
• Mental health services
• Foster care

Typically, T Visa cases can be difficult to win, but at Abogada Julia, we are dedicated to results and committed to fighting for all of our clients, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

*On April 29, 2024, USCIS announced a final rule modifying the regulations for T Visa nonimmigrant status applications. This rule will take effect on August 28, 2024. This list includes the changes.