U Visa Attorney in York

In October of 2000, Congress passed legislation called the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. With this act came the U visa, a form of nonimmigrant (temporary) status for victims of certain crimes that were committed in the U.S. or that violated U.S. laws.

You may qualify for a U visa if you suffered physical or mental abuse as a result of any of the following crimes:

• Domestic violence
• Assault
• Abduction/kidnapping
• Stalking
• Torture
• Human trafficking
• Blackmail or extortion
• Perjury or obstruction of justice
• Other serious crimes

The U visa initially lasts for four years, and it may be extended under certain circumstances. Additionally, U visa holders may be able to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence (i.e. obtain a green card) after three years.

At The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh, our U visa lawyer is here to help you obtain safety and security in the United States. With years of experience handling a wide variety of immigration and deportation defense cases, Attorney Stambaugh is fully equipped to handle your legal matter and help restore your confidence in your future.

Call (717) 921-4042 or contact us online to schedule your initial case review.
We offer services in English, Spanish, and Italian.

How to Obtain a U Visa

To qualify for a U visa, you will need to aid in the investigation or prosecution of the crime that affected you. You can apply before, during, or after you assist law enforcement. Assistance typically means providing information about those who participated in the criminal activity.

Some U visa applicants are too young to provide information on their own, or their disability prevents them from doing so. Fortunately, individuals with disabilities or minors who are under 16 can have a parent, guardian, or other qualifying advocate provide information on their behalf.

Your petition for the visa will include a certification, which must be signed by an official of the law enforcement agency you are assisting. You will also need to include a personal statement that explains the criminal activities and how they affected you. You can apply for a U visa whether you are living in the U.S. or abroad.

You may qualify for a U visa even if you entered the U.S. illegally. If you are inadmissible for any reason, you will need to include an application for a waiver of inadmissibility.

For Family Members of U Visa Holders

When you qualify for a U visa, you may be able to petition for your family members, as well.

If you are under 21, you may petition for your:

• Spouse;
• Children;
• Parents; and/or
• Unmarried siblings (under age 18).

If you are 21 or older, you may petition for your:

• Spouse; or
• Children.

To obtain derivative status for family, you can petition for them simultaneously with your U visa petition or after you apply.

Let Our Law Firm Provide the Support You Need

Obtaining a U visa is by no means easy or simple. With years of experience and extensive training, however, Attorney Rosina Stambaugh is fully prepared to guide you through the U visa process from start to finish. She knows you are likely experiencing a great deal of stress, which is why she will work tirelessly to help you obtain lawful status in as little time as possible. Our law firm takes great pride in helping individuals and families build homes in the United States and achieve the American Dream, and we look forward to taking on your case next.

Let’s get started on your U visa application right away. Contact us online or call our office directly at (717) 921-4042 today.