U Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide
USCIS, the federal agency tasked with the adjudication of U visa petitions, announces today the publication of an updated U Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide. This guide provides certifying officials, including law enforcement, with best practices for the U visa certification process, emphasizes that completing the Supplement B is consistent with a victim-centered approach, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of certifying agencies in the U visa program.
Highlights of the guide include:
- The U visa law enforcement certification process;
- Best practices for certifying agencies;
- U Visa Quick Reference Guide;
- Outline of the U visa adjudication process;
- Responses to frequently asked questions; and
- Additional resources for certifying agencies and officials, including information for other DHS personnel on U visas.
Like the T Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide, the U visa guide is consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s commitment to use a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to combat crime. By completing the Supplement B, certifying agencies confirm that the victim has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, or other government officials in the detection, investigation, prosecution, or sentencing of the qualifying criminal activity of which they were a victim. By signing the Supplement B, certifying agencies strengthen their ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute serious crimes.
Background
Congress recognized that people without lawful immigration status can be vulnerable to victimization, and may be reluctant to help in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of criminal activity. As a result, the U visa was designed with the dual purpose of protecting victims of serious crimes and promoting cooperation between law enforcement and victims. The U visa encourages victims to report crimes committed against them and participate in the investigation and prosecution of those crimes, even if victims lack lawful immigration status. U visas strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat crime while bolstering relationships between law enforcement and noncitizens, which leads to safer communities as a whole.
U visa recipients receive nonimmigrant status and employment authorization allowing them to temporarily remain and work in the U.S., generally for four years. Recipients may also have the opportunity to apply for certain family members to receive U nonimmigrant status. U visa recipients may also apply for a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residency, if they meet certain requirements.
More Information
Find additional guidance on the U visa at USCIS Policy Manual - Volume 3: Humanitarian Protection and Parole, Part C, Victims of Crime and the Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes webpage.
For more information and strategies for implementing a victim-centered approach, go to DHS Blue Campaign - Law Enforcement.
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