Different types of immigration relief may be available depending on when and how you entered the country. This is a brief look at some types of immigration relief available for victims of crimes and domestic violence.
The list does not include everything, and South Carolina Legal Services strongly advises you to seek the help of an experienced immigration attorney to find out if you can get immigration relief.
Eligibility under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
To qualify for immigration status under VAWA you must:
Eligibility under the Trafficking Act
The Trafficking Act created two new types of potential visas for non-citizen victims of crimes.
T-visas
To be eligible for a T-visa you must:
- you are forced or tricked to engage in sex for money; or
- you are forced or tricked into working for someone who tells you that you must work for them to pay off a debt; or
- you are forced to work for someone against your will; or
- you are forced to work without pay
U-visas
To be eligible for a U-visa you must:
Important information about getting help with immigration issues
Many people may tell you that they can assist you with your immigration application. It is important that you make sure that the person or attorney helping you is experienced and understands the immigration process.
Once you submit any papers to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, you are alerting the federal government to your presence in this country. That is why it is important that you only seek the assistance of
qualified people in handling your immigration matters.
What to do if you believe you are eligible for relief
Contact an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. If you are unable to locate an immigration attorney, contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association at 1-800-954-0254, the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284, or Catholic Charities at (843) 388-0089.
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- Migrant Farm Workers
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Additional information may be found at:
LawHelp.org/SC
South Carolina’s guide to free legal resources
This brochure was prepared by South Carolina Legal Services and is provided as a public service.
Copyright retained by South Carolina Legal Services
Printed April 2010
Mission
South Carolina Legal Services is a statewide law firm that provides civil legal services to protect the rights and represent the interests of low-income South Carolinians.
Vision
All low-income South Carolinians will have full and fair access to justice.
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1-888-346-5592
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www.sclegal.org
www.lawhelp.org/sc
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