Services > U-Visa
Immigration Law
Family-Based Immigration Law
Fiancé Visas
Family-Based Visas
Featured Waiver: I-601 A Provisional
Unlawful Presence Waiver
Employment-Based Immigration Law
EB-1
EB-1A
EB-1B
EB-1C
EB-5
H1 B
O1 Visa
PERM Labor Certifications
U-Visa
Asylum and Withholding of Removal
Deportation, Removal, and Bond Proceedings
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
The U-Visa was created in October 2000 to encourage noncitizen victims of certain crimes to aid in the investigation and/or prosecution of the individual that committed the crime. In turn, the U-Visa provides those currently out of status with work authorization for up to four years if the victim has suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime and is willing to or has assisted in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. U-Visas allow for family members such as spouses and minor children to also obtain this immigration benefit even if family members are abroad. In the case of victims who are minors, parents and siblings might also be eligible.
Compiling a U-Visa application can be a complex process but our experienced attorneys will ensure that your case is compelling and meets all of the eligibility requirements.
(1) Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of a qualifying crime that violates U.S. law. Qualifying crimes include:
* Abduction
* Abusive Sexual Contact
* Blackmail
* Domestic Violence
* Extortion
* False Imprisonment
* Female genital mutilation
* Felonious assault
* Hostage
* Incest
* Involuntary Servitude
* Kidnapping
* Manslaughter
* Murder
* Obstruction of Justice
* Peonage
* Perjury
* Prostitution
* Rape
* Sexual Assault
* Sexual Exploitation
* Slave Trade
* Torture
* Trafficking
* Witness Tampering
* Unlawful Criminal Restraint
* Other Related Crimes
(2) Have information concerning the crime and obtain "certification" from a law enforcement official indicating you have been helpful or will be helpful to the investigation or prosecution of the crime: Our attorneys will communicate with local, state or federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, and other eligible agencies or individuals regarding your involvement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
(3) Be "admissible": Inadmissibility grounds are reasons why a person may not be eligible for an immigration benefit, including but not limited to unlawful presence, immigration fraud and other security grounds. Should any of these grounds of inadmissibility apply to you, our attorneys can determine whether any waivers will "pardon" this particular ground and you may continue with the U-Visa process.
Marilyn Labrada Dumé
Founder & Managing Partner
Marilyn Dume is the founder and managing partner of the firm. Ms. Dume earned
a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School in 1989. Prior to attending
Columbia, Ms. Dume attended University of Pennsylvania where she received her
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986. Ms. Dume is admitted to the New Jersey State Bar.
Find us on