We Are Here to Help You and Your Family
In addition to family visas and employment-based visas, the United States Customs and Immigration Service has other visas which are available for people in very specific circumstances. One of these is a U-visa. A U-1 visa allows a person who has been the victim of a crime, and suffered mental or physical abuse as a result, to obtain non-immigrant status in exchange for helping law enforcement agents and government officials in the investigation of the criminal activity.
"Hi, I am Gabrielle. I am a paralegal at Familia America Immigration. If you have been a victim of a serious crime in the U.S., reported it to the police, have been helpful in either the investigation or the prosecution of the crime, and have been injured either physically or emotionally, you may be able to apply for a U-visa. I can help you obtain the U-visa certifications and all the documents necessary to file a successful U-visa application. We understand what you are going through and want to help you achieve legal status in the U.S."
At Familia America Immigration ~ Gloria Cardenas, we represent victims of crimes and their families in obtaining a U-visa and a fresh start in the United States. When you come inside our office and meet our family, you will see that we care deeply about helping our clients achieve their goals. We understand your dreams, and we want to help. Your first consultation with our lawyer is completely free of charge.
Lawyer Gloria Cardenas has more than 21 years of legal experience and has an impeccable reputation for professionalism and advocacy for her clients. She keeps on the forefront of immigration law matters by regularly attending seminars, lectures and conferences on developments in the law that could affect her clients. She also serves in a number of organizations dedicated to helping non-U.S. citizens and hosts her own weekly radio program to help individuals understand immigration law matters.
Obtaining a U-Visa
Petitioning for a U-visa is a complex process and requires people from several agencies to work together. We at Familia America Immigration will help you put together the information you need to file Form I-918 correctly, including obtaining the appropriate certification from a federal, state or local government official such as a police officer investigating the case or a judge. We know the right people to contact and understand the procedures that must be followed.
Bringing Your Family Together
Depending on the age and marital status of the primary victim, other family members who are not the victim may also be included on the U-visa. This often includes your spouse and your children under 21 years old who are not married. If your children are United States citizens and they have been a victim of a serious crime in the United States, you can apply for a U-visa even if you do not have papers.
We take lemons and make lemonade. We take a very sad and terrible event and make something good out of it. We understand the importance of bringing your family together, and bringing healing from a serious criminal incident such as domestic violence, sexual assault, rape and other serious crimes. We use our resources to help you and your family.
After meeting certain requirements, those with U-1 non-immigrant status may then file an adjustment of status Form I-485 to obtain permanent residency status. Once your case is complete, we can help you seek an adjustment in status for yourself and your loved ones so you can remain in the country long term.
Representing Victims of Domestic Violence in Seeking Status Adjustments
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows women (and men) who have been victims of domestic violence to seek an adjustment of their immigration status without the requirement to be sponsored by a spouse, parent or relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who may be abusive. Instead, those who participate in the VAWA program can "self-petition" to obtain legal permanent residency, because it is possible that those abusive family members who would sponsor applications could threaten to withhold immigration status as a tool of abuse.
If you or someone you know and love has been the victim of domestic abuse, Familia America Immigration will stand up for your rights and help you. In our Salt Lake City office, we treat every client like our own family. When you meet our family, you will understand that we truly care about your situation and will help you obtain an adjustment in status to escape from an unhappy family situation.
Utah Attorney for Domestic Violence Victim Visas
Call 801-990-1512 in Utah, 877-415-9604 toll free, or contact us online for a free consultation.
