Resources
Publication Date
01/18/2024
Law enforcement agencies in California have been responding to requests for U visa certifications for many years to allow immigrant survivors of crime and their family members to apply for U nonimmigrant status. However, until 2016 there was no statewide standard or protocol for certifications. Several bills have passed in the meantime to further streamline the process. Most recently, AB 1261 was signed into law in October 2023 and went into effect on 01/01/2024. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice wrote this advisory to summarize California state laws on U visa certifications, including the newest provisions.
Resources
Publication Date
02/05/2024
In October 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued its T Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide. The guide, published alongside updated guidance on T visas in the USCIS Policy Manual (USCIS-PM), advises law enforcement agencies on providing T visa certifications, a crucial form of evidence in T visa applications. This practice advisory gives an overview of the resource guide and how practitioners can utilize it to advocate for law enforcement agencies to provide law enforcement certifications to survivors.
Resources
Publication Date
02/09/2024
Resources
Publication Date
02/12/2024
On January 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a final fee rule that will go into effect April 1, 2024. This Community Alert delves into the provisions of the new rule including increased fees, expanded fee exemptions, and changes to fee waiver policy. This downloadable guide also offers some key takeaways and resources to find support for your immigration case.
Resources
Publication Date
03/22/2024
Resources
Publication Date
05/02/2012
On September 6, 2011, USCIS issued a policy memorandum on adjudications of VAWA self-petitions for applicants who are over 21 but under 25 years of age.
Resources
Publication Date
06/13/2011
What are U Visas? U Nonimmigrant Visas were created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000. Victims of qualifying criminal activities who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse may apply for a U Visa if they are willing to assist law enforcement or other government officials in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes.
Resources
Publication Date
06/13/2011
April 19, 2011 USCIS Policy Memorandum: Extension of Status for T and U Nonimmigrants; Revisions to Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) Chapter 39.1(g)(3) and Chapter 39.2(g)(3) (AFM Update AD11-28)
Resources
Publication Date
06/13/2011
December 15, 2010 USCIS Policy Memorandum: Revocation of VAWA-Based Self-Petitions (Forms I-360); AFM Update AD10-49
Resources
Publication Date
06/13/2011
June 22, 2010 USCIS Policy Memorandum: Extension of U Nonimmigrant Status for Derivative Family Members Using the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539); Revisions to Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM), New Chapter 39.1(g)(2)(i) (AFM Update AD10-08)
Resources
Publication Date
05/01/2012
This 77-page guide contains checklists, step-by-step help and sample materials for detained pro so applicants (those without lawyers) who are representing themselves in filing a U visa application. It was produced by the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic of Stanford Law School on behalf of Centro Legal de la Raza in Oakland, California.
Resources
Publication Date
05/15/2012
This Q&A fact sheet from USCIS provides information on making the appointment and preparing for the interview for U nonimmigrants who need to consular process.
Resources
Publication Date
05/02/2012
On August 30, 2011, USCIS issued a policy memorandum on eligibility to self-petition as a battered or abused parent of a U.S. citizen.
Resources
Publication Date
11/19/2010
This guide is designed to walk you through the document-gathering requirements under the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its more recent revisions and updates. Though not a comprehensive explanation of the law or its requirements, it is instead a user-friendly resource to gathering the necesary documents for a VAWA self-petition.
Resources
Publication Date
09/19/2019
This resource is a comprehensive client intake form meant to assist practitioners in screening for immigration relief options. Accompanying the intake form are notes to assist practitioners in spotting issues and relief options.