Humanitarian Visas Attorneys in Tampa, FL
Find help and a home in difficult circumstances
At Dubrule & Nowel, PLLC, based in Tampa, FL, we are well-versed in handling both employment-based and family-based immigration matters. Our expertise extends to aiding individuals in securing either temporary or permanent residency in the United States through the right humanitarian immigration channels. US humanitarian visas are intended to offer refuge and protection status to individuals confronted with a critical situation.
There are a number of visas available to those who are facing specific humanitarian concerns. These visas often have a number of requirements for approval and automatic waivers for qualified candidates. Our Tampa humanitarian visa attorneys extensive experience with these humanitarian visas and can walk you through the process.
Visas for Victims of Crime
If you have been a victim of a specific violent crime in the United States, you may be eligible for a U visa. This visa is a wonderful option, particularly for those with no other way to remain in the United States. It permits you to waive almost every ground of inadmissibility and, although it is a temporary visa, it can eventually result in your permanent residency (“green card”).
As long as you reported the crime to the police, there is no time limit to apply for a U visa. In most cases, your spouse and minor children can also obtain a visa through your application and, in some cases, parents are able to use crimes committed by others against their children to obtain a U visa.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime in the United States, contact Dubrule & Nowel, PLLC today to review your eligibility for a U visa.
Visas for Human Trafficking Survivors
If you or a loved one has been a victim of human trafficking, you may be eligible for a T visa. A T visa allows the beneficiary to remain in the United States for up to 4 years if they assist the government in investigating or prosecuting human trafficking.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are two types of trafficking:
Sex trafficking: When someone recruits, harbors, transports, provides, solicits, patronizes, or obtains a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, where the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or the person being induced to perform such act is under 18 years of age; or
Labor trafficking: When someone recruits, harbors, transports, provides, or obtains a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
Many actions qualify as trafficking, including forced domestic work or sexual activity, even if you are in a relationship with the person forcing you to engage in these activities.
T visas are fact-specific and require communication with your lawyer. However, they can be hugely beneficial. There are generally short wait times for these visas and they can eventually convert into lawful permanent residency. If you receive a T visa, other members of your family may also benefit.
Visas under the Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is an act that was created to protect victims of domestic violence. If you are living with a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen spouse, child, or parent who has been emotionally, verbally, or financially abusive, you may qualify for a visa for victims of violence. There are some important things to remember for these cases:
If your loved one treats you in a way you do not like, you may be eligible for help under VAWA.
Abuse can take many forms and does not need to be physical. If you are experiencing psychological or financial abuse, you may be eligible for VAWA help.
You do not need to be a woman to benefit from this law. The title is nothing more than a title—your gender identity is irrelevant to this law.
Even if you have divorced your abusive spouse, you may still qualify for a visa under VAWA as long as you apply within 2 years of your divorce.
You do not need to have called the police on your abuser to qualify.
You do not need to remain in an abusive relationship to remain in the United States. If you have ever felt afraid of your spouse, child, or parent, we’re here to help. All conversations are confidential and further communication will only happen in a safe way.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
If you arrived in the United States as a minor and are unable to live with one or both of your parents due to abandonment, abuse, or neglect, you may qualify for a visa to remain in the United States. This is true even if you entered unlawfully or are still in contact with one of your parents.
Although visas under this category can take some time to become current, they allow you to obtain your permanent residency in the United States. These visas are often submitted in connection to another type of relief, like asylum.
In order to obtain an SIJS visa you must have entered the United States without your parents and you must obtain an order of dependency from a juvenile court. Usually this is a 3-step process:
Obtain a dependency order from juvenile court before the age of 18 (in Florida);
Apply for status as a special immigrant juvenile;
Apply for permanent residency from within the United States once the visa is current.
If you think you may be eligible for this visa, the process is time-sensitive, but Dubrule & Nowel, PLLC can walk you through it.
Seeking a Humanitarian Visa
Humanitarian visas are complex, and many are time-sensitive. Dubrule & Nowel, PLLC has experience handling a range of visa cases, and can help you develop a plan not just to receive a visa, but also to work toward your long-term immigration goals, permanent residency, or citizenship. Begin your case today to understand your options.