T nonimmigrant status explained

On Behalf of | Mar 25, 2016 | U.s. Immigration Law |

Sometimes people in other countries may seek to enter Miami, Florida, through routes that expose them to harm. There are corrupt or dangerous characters who take advantage of those who are destitute, forcing them to become slaves. Becoming a victim of human trafficking can have permanently damaging results for those who fall prey to this crime. In the United States, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act was enacted to allow these foreign nationals to remain in the country legally in return for assistance in the apprehension of the perpetrators.

Slavery is specifically banned by the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well as the VTVPA. Human traffickers may use compulsion, deception or coercion to capture those who seek entry into the United States and force them into a life of slave labor or prostitution. So, federal government agencies actively seek out and penalize those who perpetrate this crime against humanity. Officials may recruit those who have firsthand information and offer them legal status in return.

According to the USCIS, in order to be eligible for a T nonimmigrant visa, the undocumented immigrant must be in the United States by means of that illegal activity. The victim must be able to show that being deported would be devastating, and that he or she is willing to participate in the apprehension of the traffickers. Under certain conditions, people with a T Nonimmigrant Visa may apply for permanent residency status. Family members of those who have T nonimmigrant status may qualify for derivative nonimmigrant status. 

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