Source: https://asistahelp.org/resource-library/u-visa-resources/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 22:04:21+00:00

Document:
U visas are a form of immigration benefits for survivors of certain crimes who have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that crime. This library contains information about U visa requirements, the law, policy, advocacy, practice pointers and more.
Link to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) website with an overview of U visa program and requirements.
This ASISTA advisory from fall 2012 contains an overview of U visa requirements and benefits.
Link to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) website reports. These reports provide data on various aspects of USCIS operations. In addition, certain tables list the USCIS office responsible for the adjudication.
Written by Gail Pendleton, this is the second in a series on how to win U visa cases, with an emphasis on the law's requirements as well as building a relationship with law enforcement. 2008 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc., a member of the LexisNexis Group. Reprinted with permission; all rights reserved.
Written by Gail Pendleton, this is the first in a series on how to win U visa cases. 2008 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc., a member of the LexisNexis Group. Reprinted with permission; all rights reserved.
Fact sheet created by USCIS on certifying U nonimmigrant status for law enforcement (Form I-918, Supplemental B). It offers basic information as to whom may be eligible for a U visa, and under what circumstances.
Article written by Gail Pendleton on the new standard for the waiver, as well as potential strategies for U visa applicant. Click here to access Overcoming Inadmissibility for U visa Applications in Word Version.
This advisory, written by Gail Pendleton and Cecelia Friedman Levin, reviews two common ways in which applications may fail to sufficiently support the credibility of the documentation supplied.
Copyright @2004 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance.
Section 1513 of VAWA 2000 established the U visa program in October 28, 2000. This excerpt contains the Congressional findings and purposes in establishing the U visa program. For full text of VAWA 2000, click here.
This is the section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that defines U visa relief.
This section of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines the requirements for U visa relief for principals and derivative applicants.
This section of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines the standard for the inadmissibility waiver for U visa applicants and derivatives.
The U adjustment statute contains the guidance for U visa holders to adjust their status to become legal permanent residents.
The U adjustment regulations were promulgated in 2009. The federal register notice of the regulations contains useful background information regarding requirements for adjustment including assistance to law enforcement and continuous physical presence.
Field Adjudicator's Manual for Department of State with information on U visas.
Wilberforce Amendments on Bona Fide Work Authorization.
This advisory contains general information shared by USCIS staff during multiple stakeholders events during this year, with added practice pointers and clarification where relevant. This advisory was authored by ASISTA Immigration Assistance, Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC), Immigration Legal Resource Center, Just Neighbors Ministry Inc., Sanctuary for Families, AILA VAWA, U and T Visa National Committee.
Copyright@2016 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance.
These notes include important information, especially regarding USCIS reaching the U visa cap and other updates and changes. Please check back to the ASISTA website for changes and updates.
Copyright@2013 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance.
This is a summary of the information shared during the Vermont Service Center (VSC) Stakeholder's meeting in St. Albans, VT on October 18, 2013.
The Violence Against Women Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013), combined with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPRA), was signed into law on March 7, 2013. This document provides an overview of substantive changes and technical fixes to both the VAWA and the TVPRA as well as practice pointers for attorneys and advocates on how to work with these new changes, prepared by ASISTA staff.
Copyright @2013 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance.
Copyright@2012 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance.
These notes on the CIS Q&A call also contain specific questions on forms I-539, I-192, and I-193.
This USCIS Q&A answers questions about processing and filing U visas, as well as offers information pertinent to potential U visa holders.
Q&A Session with the Vermont Service Center of USCIS in August 2009.
Link to the Government Printing Office page with 8 USC 1367 relating to penalties for disclosure of information relating to battered or abused immigrants as well as use of information obtained from batterers and their families.
The district court order in this non-precedent case prohibited the defendants from asking about the immigration status of a witness or any other person. The court reasoned that allowing such questions would have a "chilling effect" on an individual seeking to prosecute their rights. Further, the court prohibited inquiry during the discovery process regarding the U visa process and whether any person involved in this case has filed a U visa petition. Moreover, the court adopted the plaintiff's position that 8 U.S.C. 1367 prohibited disclosure of any information relation to the U visa.
This first INS memo on the special confidentiality provisions and protections against using information from abusers remains the best government document on this issue. Read along with 8 USC 1367 and other documents in this section.
Link to the USCIS website with the I-918 U visa application and related forms including the Supplement A for derivatives and Supplement B: Law Enforcement Certification with instructions. NOTE: Always ensure you are using the most version of the form.
Link to USCIS section on I-912, Request for Fee Waiver form and instructions.
This document contains information regarding to penalties for disclosure of information relating to battered or abused immigrants as well as use of information obtained from batterers and their families. It also provides contact information to report violation of VAWA confidentiality.
This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance about extension of status for T and U nonimmigrants, including any related I-485, application to adjust status. This PM rescind and replaces PM 602-0032.1. This PM revises chapters 39.1 and 39.2 of the Adjudicator's Field Manual.
This policy memorandum (PM) designates the attached decision of the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Matter of L-S-M- as an Adopted Decision.
AAO decision finding substantial harm from witness tampering, and remanding to the VSC #1.
AAO decision finding substantial harm from witness tampering, and remanding to the VSC #2.
AAO decision finding substantial harm from witness tampering, and remanding to the VSC #3.
AAO decision finding substantial harm from witness tampering, and remanding to the VSC #4.
This AAO decision makes clear that, although it can't review inadmissibility waivers, it can review inaccurate inadmissibility determinations by VSC.
This comment was submitted by 32 national, state, and local organizations in responses to USCIS Guidance Implementing U visa provisions of VAWA 2013.
This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance on new legislation that amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act affecting U nonimmigrant status programs and related adjustment of status application.
This Policy Memorandum (PM) provides guidance on new legislation that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) affecting U nonimmigrant status programs and related adjustment of status applications.
The purpose of this policy memorandum (PM) is to clarify the role of Requests for Further Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) in the adjudication of petitions, applications, and other requests. It revises chapters 10.5 (a) of the Adjudicator's Field Manual (AFM)- AFM Updated AD12-04.
This memorandum provides guidance on the use of U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) detainers in the federal, state, local, and tribal criminal justice systems .This guidance applies, to all uses of ICE detainers regardless of whether the contemplated use arises out of the Criminal Alien Program, Secure Communities, a 287 (g) agreement, or any other ICE enforcement effort. This guidance does not govern the use of detainers by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This guidance replaces Section 4.2 and 4.5 of the August 2010 Interim Guidance on Detainers (Policy Number 10074.1) and otherwise supplements the remaining sections of that some guidance.
This Policy Memorandum (PM) provides guidance relating to certain U-3 derivative nonimmigrant petitions that are being held for final adjudication or have had their prior approvals limited in time due to derivative aging-out. This PM also authorizes the approval of U-3 derivative nonimmigrant petitions for the full eligibility period of four years, allowing the U-3 derivative to remain in U nonimmigrant status past his or her 21st birthday, if necessary. This PM updates the Adjudicator's Field Manual (AFM) by adding Chapters 39.1 (f)(4)(v-viii)- AFM Updated AD11-41.
This memorandum (PM) provides a list of situation in which a person would qualify for an authorized period of stay, temporary protective status (TPS), or deferred enforcement departure (DED).
Absent special circumstances of aggravating factors, it is against ICE policy to initiate removal proceedings against an individual known to be the immediate victim or witness to a crime.
This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance about extensions of status for T and U nonimmigrants, including any related applications for adjustment of status.
This Policy Memorandum (PM) provides guidance about extensions of status for T and U nonimmigrants, including any related application for adjustment of status.
This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance regarding changes in U visa eligibility requirements, adjustment of status, and assistance in investigations or prosecutions.
This policy memorandum (PM) allows extension of status for U derivative family members due to consular processing delays, and for other reasons as well.
Department of Labor Policy regarding U visa certifications.
Memorandum to OPLA attorneys, dated September 25, 2009, regarding U visa applicants with final orders or who are in proceedings.
Guidance to ICE Field Officers dated September 24, 2009, about factors to consider when adjudicating requests for a Stay of a final administrative order filed by a U visa applicant.
This memorandum serves to make clarification in the interim relief period for those seeking the U visa, and notes that there is no deadline for filing the Petition for U nonimmigrant Status (Form I-192).
Memo propagated March 27, 2008, with amendments to FAM, including fix to regulations on age-out derivatives.
This old memo has excellent language near the end on the "any credible evidence" standard -- "Documentary Requirements" -- and why it exists. The discussion of "extreme hardship" is no longer relevant to VAWA self-petitions but may be helpful to those seeking VAWA cancellation, where that requirement still exists. Click here to access Virtue Memo on Any Credible Evidence Standard (and Extreme Hardship) in Word Version.
ASISTA, along with the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, Casa de Esperanza, Futures Without Violence, National Alliance To End Sexual Violence, and the Tahirih Justice Center, submitted an amicus brief in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding how just must follow the guidelines outlined in the 2012 BIA case Matter of Sanchez Sosa, and how failing to do so contravenes the protections in found in the Violence Against Women Act. We are grateful to and for the tremendous effort of Greenberg Traurig in Chicago, IL for their pro bono representation. Special thanks to Greg Ostfeld, Brian Straw, Symone Shinton, Christopher Mair and Pamela Ickes. Click here to download the 7th Cir. Amicus Brief in Word version.
Here is the amicus brief we filed to the AAO with Her Justice and ICWC, Debevoise & Plympton doing the heavy lifting (and excellent crafting) for us. Thanks to all involved, great job! Click here to download the Amicus Brief on Direct Victim Definition in Word version.
Many thanks, again, to Chuck Roth for NIJC for leading this effort. Great job! (Gail Pendleton) Baez-Sanchez v. Sessions, (7th Cir. Oct. 6, 2017), Non-citizens seeking U visas as victims of crime may need to seek waivers for inadmissibility. By regulation, a noncitizen may invoke INA § 212(d)(14) (which is by statute entrusted to DHS) or § 212(d)(3), the general nonimmigrant waiver. The BIA has historically exercised some authority over § 212(d)(3) waivers. In L.D.G. v. Holder, 744 F.3d 1022 (7th Cir. 2014), the Seventh Circuit found that the BIA and IJs had (d)(3) waiver authority as to U visas. The BIA disagreed in Matter of Khan, 26 I&N Dec. 797 (BIA 2016), doubting that (d)(3) waivers were meant for U visa applicants, suggesting that (d)(3) waivers were unavailable to non-citizens except at Ports of Entry, and finding that even if the Attorney General has (d)(3) authority, that it has not been delegated by regulation to the BIA. The Seventh Circuit rejected Matter of Khan in a published decision (Easterbrook, J.). First, the Court rejected the BIA’s finding that IJs lack authority to decide matters except where authority is delegated by regulation. Even without a specific delegation, held the Court, 8 C.F.R. § 1003.10 provides that “IJs may exercise all of the Attorney General’s powers ‘in the cases that come before them’, unless some other regulation limits that general delegation.” Second, while the government’s briefs suggested that U visa waiver authority had been entrusted to DHS rather than to the Attorney General (and thus to IJs), the BIA made no such finding in Khan. Indeed, Khan expressly assumed that the AG may maintain some waiver authority. 26 I&N Dec. at 801. Under the Chenery Doctrine, the government attorneys are bound by the agency’s decision; the government’s attorneys therefore could not defend Khan on the ground that the Attorney General lacks waiver authority by statute. Finally, the Board doubted that (d)(3) waivers could be sought by non-citizens within the U.S. But U visa regulations make no such distinction. Found the Court, “the Secretary of Homeland Security seems to believe that he has the authority to grant waivers of inadmissibility under §1182(d)(3)(A)(ii) to aliens in the United States. See 8 C.F.R. §212.17. If the Secretary can do this, why not the Attorney General?” Baez-Sanchez and L.D.G. are crucial for noncitizen victims of crime facing removal from the United States. Allowing IJs to decide on waiver applications ensures fair process, in-person proceedings, access to counsel, reasoned decision making, and the availability of appellate review. NIJC applauds today’s decision, and will work to ensure fair process for all non-citizens facing removal from the United States.
Amicus brief filed by Americans for Immigrant Justice, ASISTA, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Freedom Network USA, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Counsel of record is a senior counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Associates at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP also assisted in the preparation of this brief. Attorneys with the Stanford Law School Immigrants' Rights Clinic and the non-profit entities Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto and Sanctuary for Families further assisted in the preparation of this brief.
Amici curiae submitted this brief because United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") has rendered a decision that denies important protections to immigrants who are victims of domestic violence and creates a dangerous precedent for the use of uncorroborated and unreliable evidence in immigration proceedings.
This case sets criteria for immigration judges considering continuances for U applicants in proceedings. See ICE memoranda for procedure for requesting prima facie determinations from VSC.
Oct. 28, 2009 decision stating: USCIS has exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate applications for adjustment of status; the BIA generally lacks authority to reopen proceedings under final orders of exclusion, deportation or removal; and the Board will not generally exercise its discretion to reopen proceedings sua sponte for an arriving alien to pursue adjustment of status.
Where evidence of fraud of marriage to a U.S. citizen was found insufficient to support respondent's deportation under section 241(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, deportation on invalid visa charge under section 241(a)(1) is also precluded when predicated upon same evidence of fraudulent marriage. Act of 1952-Section 241(a)(1) [8 U.S.C. 1251 (a)]-Inadmissible at time of entry, not nonquota immigrant.
Brief for amicus curiae ASISTA regarding jurisdiction to adjudicate a U visa petition for a former LPR in removal proceedings.
Petitioner's brief on appeal on the denial of form I-918, petition for U nonimmigrant status.
This practice advisory is the third in a series about interim regulation, adopted May 12, 2006, which give USCIS jurisdiction over the adjustment applications of an "arriving alien" parolee who is in removal proceedings.
This practice advisory by Mary Kenney, is one of the three which discuss interim regulations that give USCIS jurisdiction over the adjustment applications of an "arriving alines" parolee who is in removal proceedings.
ASISTA thanks our member Julie Dinnerstein of Sanctuary for families. Click here to download the Sample RFE Response in Word version.
ASISTA urges that DHS reassess ICE's enforcement actions at state and local courthouses given its negative effects ion immigrants survivors of violence.
AILA and ASISTA letter to USCIS to address outstanding issues with regard to policies and procedures now that the U visa cap has been met for current fiscal year, including issues of parole for derivatives of conditional approvals.
VSC brochure distributed at the VSC Stakeholder Event on October 18, 2013.
VSC update on new and ongoing activities.
The AILA VAWA Committee and ASISTA created the RFE Project to identify significant evidentiary problems. This is the resulting report.
The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), provides relief to children who “age-out” as a result of delays by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in processing visa petitions and asylum and refugee applications.
This processing cover sheet will help you identify the status of U visa nonimmigrant derivatives applicants and potential red flags.
This chart summarizes situations to consider when working with principals with children. Principal U applicants may file derivative applications for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and, if the applicant is under 21, for parents and unmarried siblings, INA 101(a)(15)(U)(ii), by filing form I-198A.
Sample parole cover letter for U derivatives of U conditional approvals, written by Nora Phillips, of the firm Phillips & Urias in Los Angeles, California. Posted with permission fro the author.
This practice advisory contains tips for requesting humanitarian parole for derivatives where the principal U visa applicant has been awarded a conditional U visa grant.
The Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) was created to provide consular officers with electronic access to petition information.
This is a sample of a cover letter request for parole issuance to a client who have received conditional approval of U derivative status and currently resides abroad.
Information and strategies for how to address issues when presenting U visas for processing abroad.
U Visa Discoverability: What To Do? This is a webinar training sponsored by the Family Justice Center Alliance, presented by Susan Breall, Wanda Lucibello, Jonathan Moore, Mike Agnew, and Gail Pendleton. This webinar explores different strategies about how to respond to U visa requests (or other immigration files) in criminal court and may apply to other legal venues as well.
Developed by Stanford Law School's Immigrants' Rights Clinic, in collaboration with Bay Rea Legal Aid.
This practice manual has several templates for requests to DOL (Eunice H. Cho).
NILC and NELP recently updated the fact sheet on the DHS-DOL worksite enforcement MOU in light of the recent announcement that the EEOC and NLRB have been added to the MOU.
Addendum of the revised MOU between the Department of Homeland Security and Labor concerning enforcement activities at worksite.
Gail Pendleton of ASISTA and Eunice Cho of the National Employment Law Project discuss best practices in framing U cases arising in the workplace, including: framing the qualifying crime, obtaining useful certifications, identifying and presenting substantial harm and inadmissibility waiver arguments; and organizing your application to achieve success. The presenters also discuss strategies for responding to requests for evidence and tackling emerging legal and policy issues arising in this dynamic area of practice.
This letter is the result of collaboration between NELP, Dr. Giselle Hass, and ASISTA, to develop a framework for USCIS and advocates to identify factors on substantial abuse in the workplace. The framework builds on theories of abuse suffered by immigrant survivors in cases of domestic and sexual abuse, which form the bulk of cases currently granted U visas.
U.S. Department of Labor memo on the role of the public workforce system in the delivery of services and referrals to victims of human trafficking.
Prepared by the National Employment Law Project (NELP).

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