T Visas

It’s not uncommon for some people to take advantage of those who are new to this country. An employer might offer a great job only to break their promises, or a significant other might exploit their loved one’s trust. These are just two scenarios that can lead to trafficking. T visas are available for victims of this specific crime.

You may be eligible for a T visa if you are the victim of trafficking; you are physically present in the United States on account of the trafficking; you have complied with reasonable requests of assistance from law enforcement investigating the trafficking; you would suffer from severe hardship if you were to return to your home country; and you are admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you can seek a waiver of inadmissibility.

There are two types of trafficking that qualify a victim for a T visa: sex and labor.

Under federal law, sex trafficking occurs when an individual recruits, harbors, transports, provides, solicits, patronizes, or obtains a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act. The commercial sex act must be induced by force, fraud or coercion OR the person being induced is under 18 years old.

Similarly, labor trafficking occurs when an individual recruits, harbors, transports, provides, or obtains a person for labor or services, using force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of involuntary servitude, debt bondage, slavery, or peonage.

If you are approved for a T visa, you are granted temporary legal status and work authorization for yourself and certain family members. It is also possible to get a green card through a T visa.

If you think you are a victim of trafficking and eligible for a T visa, call Greenwood Law right away. To make an appointment, call 336-661-8788 or contact us online. Se habla español.