Victims of Crime Lawyers in Paducah, Kentucky
Nobody wants to be a victim of any criminal behavior, particularly domestic abuse, and human trafficking. Illegal behaviors, however, are not entirely preventable. If you have been the victim of a crime, you must immediately seek the assistance of an attorney. Our victims of crime attorneys in Paducah, Kentucky, can assist victims of crime in getting the help they need.
Some victims of crime may be eligible for immigration relief. Immigrants who become victims of certain crimes may be eligible for special visas, depending on their present immigration status.
At Citizenship & Immigration Law Firm, we have represented individuals and families with a wide range of immigration concerns. Our experienced Kentucky immigration attorneys will investigate your case thoroughly to provide you with the best legal solution possible.
Who is a Victim of Crime?
Victims of crime include individuals who suffered directly and indirectly, such as the immediate family or dependents of the direct victim and any other person who have suffered harm.
If a victim is deceased or unable to act on their own behalf, the following individuals can exercise the victim’s rights:
- A victim’s spouse
- A common-law partner who has lived with the victim for at least one year prior to the victim’s death
- A dependent or relative of the victim
- Anyone who has custody of the victim or of the victim’s dependents
What Are the Immigration Policies for Victims of Crime?
It is common for immigrants to be apprehensive about revealing they have been victims of a crime. Most of the time, this is due to their fear of being subjected to removal proceedings and deportation if they report the crime to the authorities.
Many people are unaware that victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and certain crimes, are all entitled to certain protections under the law.
Immigrants who are victims of crime are given several protections, which the Department of Homeland Security administers. For example, a T Visa or a U Visa can allow a person to live and work in the United States.
U and T visa holders who are victims of crime can also apply for Advance Parole to leave the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons. Our Paducah immigration lawyers can assist you with your U and T visa petition, advance parole application, or any other immigration concerns relating to US visas and getting a Green Card.
What is a U Visa?
Foreign individuals who have reported to law enforcement that they have suffered from certain Qualifying Criminal Activity (QCA) may be qualified for a nonimmigrant visa called a U visa. This visa is valid for four years and comes with work authorization.
Under relevant immigration rules, it may eventually lead to lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Additionally, through family-based immigration, a U visa holder may also extend the U status to immediate family members including spouses and children under 21 years old.
What is a T Visa?
The T Visa is a nonimmigrant visa primarily meant for victims of human trafficking. This could include sex trafficking, debt bondage, involuntary servitude, or other similar crimes.
A T visa provides immigration protection to victims of severe forms of trafficking, especially for those who assist law enforcement in prosecuting these criminals. Qualifying relatives may also be eligible to apply for benefits through family-based immigration.
Fight Back Against Abuse & Ensure Your Rights Are Protected
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes thousands of immigration applications every year. Humanitarian parole, asylum in the United States, T or U visas, and temporary protected status (TPS) for non-citizens of the United States are available options.
A reliable immigration and victims of crime lawyer in Kentucky can help you in completing all the necessary immigration paperwork.
Victims of Crime in Kentucky Can Get Immigration Help
Regardless of their home country, the legal rights of victims have been constitutionally safeguarded by the court. These rights include the ability to get the services necessary to protect their lives, access to police help, access to emergency care, and the ability to prosecute those who committed crimes against them.
An experienced immigration lawyer in Paducah, Kentucky, can navigate the complex immigration and criminal law. To ensure that you receive the best possible outcome, our legal team at Citizenship & Immigration Law Firm will collaborate closely with you. Schedule a consultation with our immigration law firm today!
