Immigration for LGBTQ Victims of Crimes in Doraville

People immigrate to the United States for many reasons, such as economic opportunity or safety from oppression and criminal activity. Unfortunately, immigrants may also be victims of crimes in the United States and may not know if law enforcement will help.

One group that may face criminal activity and danger is the LGBTQ community, but immigration for LGBTQ victims of crimes in Doraville can occur with the help of an experienced U-visa attorney. You may qualify for a path to permanent residency available for victims of crimes in the form of a U-visa.

Visas for Victims of Crimes in the United States

Most visas exist to allow individuals to enter and remain in the United States based on activities such as employment, education, or marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, a specific visa category exists for crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement.

A U-visa is a visa that allows a victim of a crime to obtain status and potentially apply for permanent residency. If a person is present in the United States and is a victim of certain crimes, they may qualify for a U-visa. These crimes include, but are not limited to:

• Extortion
• Abduction
• Trafficking
• Kidnapping
• Sexual assault

However, qualifying for a U-visa requires cooperation with law enforcement, including police and federal investigators. This may involve identifying perpetrators, providing information about criminal activity, or assisting in an investigation.

An LGBTQ crime victim without legal residency status may qualify for a U-visa with the assistance of a Doraville attorney.

Even if cooperation with law enforcement has not yet taken place, an attorney can develop the documentation necessary to file an application.

Working With an Attorney After a Crime

Consulting an attorney after a crime is generally a good idea, but it can be especially helpful for someone without status. An attorney can work on a plan of action for a victim to gain some security with a visa and to assist law enforcement going forward.

An immigration lawyer can represent a victim and file an application on their behalf with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency in charge of visa applications. Applying for a U-visa requires extensive documentation and multiple forms, which an attorney can efficiently compile and organize.

Part of that documentation is a certification verifying that a victim of a crime will cooperate with law enforcement, a document best prepared with the help of an attorney. LGBTQ victims of crimes in or around Doraville can look to meet with an immigration attorney before and during interactions with law enforcement in order to feel secure enough to report the crime and assist in the investigation.

A crime victim seeking entry into the United States may qualify for asylum as a potential refugee. An attorney can determine the appropriate legal option based on the specific circumstances.

Discuss Immigration Status Options for LGBTQ Crime Victims With a Doraville Attorney

Recovering from a crime takes its own toll, even before considering your immigration status. You might be reluctant to report what happened to the police out of fear of discrimination or deportation, but an attorney could help you apply for a visa and secure your presence in the country.

To learn more about immigration for LGBTQ victims of crimes in Doraville, you can meet with one of our attorneys and see if you qualify for a U-visa. Contact us for an appointment to have a lawyer evaluate your case.