If you need emergency immigration status on humanitarian grounds, there are many legal options available to you. Our immigration attorneys in Elmhurst are ready to help you as soon as possible. The sooner you start the lengthy immigration status, the sooner you can secure a stable future for you and your family. Learn more about the most common types of humanitarian visas that are issued by the United States:
Asylum is legal protection claimed by refugees. Refugee status requires proof that the petitioner has suffered persecution (or fears that they will suffer persecution) due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. This is a broad definition that covers a wide variety of circumstances. Unfortunately, asylum is also a heated political issue, and a grant of asylum has become far more difficult to obtain in recent years. This is why you should consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to present the strongest case possible.
The Violence Against Women Act enacted many legal protections for the victims of domestic violence. It also contained critical immigration provisions: because many abusers use a victim’s immigration status as a method of controlling them, Congress determined that victims of domestic violence should be able to get immigration status without requiring the abuser to sponsor their petition. You do not have to stay in an abusive relationship in order to protect your immigration status.
At times, there are conditions that prevent a person from safely returning to their country of origin. There might be a natural disaster, an ongoing armed conflict, or the government might simply be unable to safely process the return of its citizens. The Secretary of Homeland Security may grant TPS to citizens of specific countries on a temporary basis (usually until an identified crisis is over). This does not create a path toward a permanent immigration status, but it does allow foreign citizens to stay in the United States until it is safe for them to return to their countries of origin.
This is a special type of visa that is available to victims of specific crimes. In order to prosecute these offenses, victims can be granted a U-visa so they can assist officials in investigating and prosecuting these crimes. Usually, these offenses involve the trafficking of drugs, weapons, or even humans. Consult with an attorney about your unique situation to see if you qualify for u-visa status and what you will be required to do to assist law enforcement officials.
The experienced Elmhurst immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan are here to help families stay together. Whether you need a visa, green card, or citizenship, our skilled legal team has the knowledge and experience necessary to make your immigration process as soon as possible. We have handled a wide variety of immigration petitions on humanitarian grounds. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney in Elmhurst.