Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes

We help protect victims of human trafficking and other crimes by providing immigration relief to eligible victims. Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a crime in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals to provide labor or services, including commercial sex. Individuals and their families may also fall victim to many other types of serious criminal activity in the United States, including rape, kidnapping, stalking, manslaughter, domestic violence, and sexual assault, among others.

Alien victims of human trafficking and qualifying criminal activity may not have immigration status in the United States and may be afraid to work with law enforcement. Traffickers and abusers often use a victim’s lack of immigration status to exploit and control them. In addition, language and cultural barriers may make it difficult for victims to seek help after experiencing victimization. Immigration relief provides a path for victims to stabilize their status in the United States and build a sense of safety and security. Immigration relief is also a critical tool to encourage victims to become active participants in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of a crime, which increases community safety as a whole.

We administer 2 immigration benefits that encourage victims to come forward and work with law enforcement and other certifying agencies:

• T nonimmigrant status, also known as the T visa, is for victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons. Victims can remain and work in the United States for up to 4 years once granted T nonimmigrant status. T nonimmigrant status may be extended beyond 4 years in limited circumstances; victims can also apply for a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residency, if they meet certain requirements.
• U nonimmigrant status, also known as the U visa, is for victims of certain qualifying criminal activities, including domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes, human trafficking, involuntary servitude, and certain other serious offenses. Victims can remain and work in the United States for up to 4 years after they are granted U nonimmigrant status. We may extend U nonimmigrant status beyond 4 years in limited circumstances. Victims can also apply for a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residence, if they meet certain requirements.
• Eligibility for both T and U visas generally requires the victim to assist or cooperate with law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of human trafficking or qualifying criminal activity. For T visas, there is an exception and an exemption if the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of victimization or  cannot cooperate due to physical or psychological trauma. For U visas, there are some exceptions and special rules for those under 16 years of age and victims who are incompetent or incapacitated.