Title

Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

Description
Learn about the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and how it protects immigrants who are victims of abuse. You can also find information for trafficking victims.
Topic Layout
Robust

Information

Abuse in Immigrant Communities

By: Women's Law Initiative

Learn about unique forms of abuse that immigrant victims of domestic violence may face. Learn about legal options for immigrant victims of abuse.

Battered Spouse, Children, and Parents

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Immigrant Women and Abuse

By: Women's Justice Center

Information for immigrants to the United States about domestic violence.

Language Access

By: Montana Legal Services Association

This resource discusses how MLSA provides access to free legal help in the language you understand.
Laws and procedures for obtaining a U-Visa if you are the victim of a crime (including domestic violence).
*There is a green button at the top to switch the language to Spanish.
A T-visa gives temporary nonimmigrant status to victims of "severe forms of human trafficking" on the condition that they help law enforcement officials investigate and prosecute crimes related to human trafficking. However, if the victim is under 18 years of age, the law does not require cooperation with police to obtain a T-visa.

U Visa Laws for Crime Victims

By: WomensLaw.org

This page includes information about obtaining lawful status if you are the victim of certain crimes (including domestic abuse) and can obtain a certification that you are, have been or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.