2nd Edition now available - expanded content and samples!
The U Visa: Obtaining Status for Immigrant Victims of Crime will guide you through the entire process of handling an immigration case for a U visa applicant – from eligibility screening through adjustment of status to assisting eligible family members. In addition to providing a thorough explanation of the requirements and process, this manual includes numerous sample materials to help you in handling your client’s case. These include the immigration forms you will need, sample checklists, declarations, receipt notices and other correspondence you can expect to receive from USCIS, motions to submit to the immigration court, and more.
This second edition of The U Visa: Obtaining Status for Immigrant Victims of Crime manual is almost 50% larger (more than 200 pages) than the first edition. The entire manual has been updated and includes expanded sections on the visa process for U nonimmigrants abroad, adjustment of status, stays of removal and more. There are also many more sample materials including applications and declarations for adjustment applications, motions for use in removal proceedings, and explanatory materials for clients obtaining a U visa at a consulate abroad.
This manual contains the following eight chapters and an extensive appendix:
Chapter 1: Introduction covers an overview of benefits and eligibility for U nonimmigrant status, the contents of this manual and how to use it, and resources to assist you in navigating this topic.
Chapter 2: U Nonimmigrant Status Eligibility covers eligibility for U nonimmigrant status including a detailed discussion of the eligibility requirements for the visa, red flag issues and screening tips and practice pointers.
Chapter 3: U Nonimmigrant Status Process details step-by-step how to apply for U nonimmigrant status, including details on how to fill out the Form I-918, information about additional documentation required to obtain U nonimmigrant status, what to expect from the process, how to obtain work authorization, and how and when to communicate with CIS about your client’s case. It also describes issues that arise after U nonimmigrant status is approved, including traveling and consular processing.
Chapter 4: Inadmissibility Grounds and Waivers provides information about the various grounds of inadmissibility applicable to the U nonimmigrant status applicant, the standard for overcoming them with a waiver, and strategies for how to apply for the inadmissibility waiver.
Chapter 5: Adjustment of Status Eligibility details the requirements for U nonimmigrants to obtain lawful permanent residence, as well as how jurisdictional issues, inadmissibility grounds, and prior removal orders may affect your client’s case.
Chapter 6: Adjustment of Status Process is another step-by-step chapter providing details to guide you through completing the adjustment packet, including the I-485 and supporting documentation, for a U nonimmigrant.
Chapter 7: Assisting Family Members is dedicated to providing information on how to help family members obtain immigration status—either as derivative family members with U nonimmigrant status or through the family petitioning process at the adjustment phase.
Chapter: 8 Removal Issues discusses issues impacting clients who are currently in removal proceedings and those with prior removal or deportation issues, including information on motions and stays.
The Appendix found at the end of this manual provides numerous sample materials, screening sheets, checklists, USCIS memoranda and other materials that advocates may find useful in helping a client successfully obtain U nonimmigrant status.
