U-Visa is a visa that was established to encourage non-citizens to report crime and cooperate with law enforcement officials. U visa is potentially available to victims of torture, trafficking, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, prostitution, domestic violence, involuntary servitude, slave trade, kidnapping, unlawful criminal restraint, abduction, false imprisonment, felonious assault, manslaughter, murder, blackmail, extortion, obstruction of justice, perjury, witness tampering and other crimes. In addition, to qualify for the U visa, the victims of the above mentioned, or related, crimes need to show that they have been or are being cooperative with law enforcement officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Becoming a U.S. Citizen grants you specific rights that you would otherwise lack as a legal permanent resident. U.S. Citizenship grants you the right to apply for federal jobs, the right to live abroad for as long as you want, the right for certain family members to legally immigrate to the United Citizenship & NaturalizationStates (such as parents and siblings, that you cannot petition for as a legal permanent resident), and, most importantly, the right to vote.
Family Immigration
Legally immigrating to the United States can be a considerable challenge as the worldwide demand for immigration visas is far in excess of the available supply. The fact that you are a citizen or LPR of the U.S. gives your loved one a significant advantage because this relationship can be used to place him or her in one of the family immigration categories. The number of immigration visas for immediate relatives is unlimited, if you are a green card holder, your loved ones may qualify for one of several family-sponsored visas. There is even a special category of immigrant visa for a fiancé and fiancée who is planning to travel to the U.S. for the purpose of marrying and establishing permanent residency alongside his or her partner. The best way to begin bringing a family member to the U.S. based on family connections, is to contact the Law Offices of Bernardo Merino to discuss your personal situation and the legal remedies available to you.
Removal Defense
To schedule a consultation regarding a deportation or removal hearing, appeals or other post-order motions, please contact us at our San Jose or San Francisco office. We are an experienced law firm in deportation and removal defense and look forward to being of help.