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 may lure individuals with false promises of employment and a better life. 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.

Noncitizen victims of human trafficking and qualifying criminal activity may not have immigration status in the United States and may therefore be fearful of working with law enforcement. Traffickers and abusers often use a lack of immigration status to exploit and control victims. In addition, language and cultural barriers may make it difficult for victims to reach out for 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 strong and active participants in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of a crime, and therefore increase community safety as a whole.

USCIS administers two 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 four years once granted T nonimmigrant status. T nonimmigrant status may be extended beyond four 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 four years once granted U nonimmigrant status. U nonimmigrant status may be extended beyond four years in limited circumstances; victims can also apply for a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residency, 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 are some exceptions and exemptions to this requirement where the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of victimization or suffers 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.