Immigration

NLSLA helps immigrants that are victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. We can help you adjust your immigration status and become a naturalized citizen.

What We Can Help With

Immigration Relief for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes

U-Visa

Immigrant victims of certain crimes who have been helpful in a criminal investigation or prosecution may qualify for a visa that can lead to a green card. Qualifying crimes include domestic violence, felonious assault, and sexual abuse. Family members may also qualify for this relief if an immediate family member was a victim of the crime.

VAWA

VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act) allows an abused spouse or child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident or an abused parent of a U.S. Citizen to self-petition for lawful status in the United States, receive employment authorization, and access public benefits. VAWA also allows family members of the abused child or spouse to be included in the application. If eligible, survivors can also apply for legal permanent residency at the same time as their VAWA application.

Immigration Relief for Survivors of Sex and Labor Trafficking

T-Visa

A T-Visa is a form of immigration relief for individuals who were subjected to a severe form of trafficking in the United States and who has assisted or is willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking. Under this status, survivors may be eligible for lawful status, employment authorization, and a potential path to permanent residency.

Legal Permanent Residency and Citizenship

I-751 Removing Conditions on Residence

Individuals may be granted conditional resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. These individuals can include children who were granted conditional resident status based on their parent’s marriage to a U.S. citizen. This status usually lasts only two years and would require filing the I-751 petition to remove conditions on residency so that they can become a permanent resident.

Legal Permanent Residency

Adjustment of status is the process that we assist individuals with in applying for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when eligible individuals are present in the United States. Individuals who have been granted VAWA, U-visa, or T-visa status can apply for adjustment of status once they meet the eligibility requirements. Legal permanent residents have fewer travel restrictions, more access to employment opportunities and public benefits, and a potential path to becoming a U.S. citizen.

Naturalization

When an immigrant has been a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years, they are eligible to apply for naturalization, which is the process of becoming a United States citizen. The benefits of being a United States citizen include voting in U.S. elections, increased ability for family reunification, traveling with fewer restrictions, access to certain public benefits, and higher security of staying in the U.S.