ICE Police Can Remove VAWA and U Visa Survivors
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now arrest and deport someone with a pending or approved victim-based benefit. This includes victims of certain crimes (U visa), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) survivors, and human trafficking (T visa) survivors. Immigration, once a safe haven, is now betraying the very survivors who came seeking its protection.
The 3 Levels of Protection for VAWA and U Visas
Those who are least likely to be removed, meaning those with the highest level of protection, are noncitizens whose U visas or VAWA cases have been granted. Those who are most likely to be detained and removed, meaning those without any protection at all, are victims of crimes, victims of trafficking, and survivors of domestic abuse who have not filed ANY application for an immigration benefit.
In the middle is this new grey area: noncitizens who have a pending application and received some benefit – such as a work permit, a bona fide determination, or a prima facie approval. For over 20 years we have been filing U visa and VAWA cases. Now, more than ever, Blandon Law stands ready to file these applications and move survivors to this middle level of protection.
What Can Survivors Do to Protect Themselves?
- Keep copies of applications, receipts, and approval received from USCIS with you at all times.
- Hire an immigration expert to file a stay of removal if you have a deportation order.
- If ICE visits your home or other private place, do NOT open the door. Say only, “I refuse to answer your questions without my attorney, and I refuse to open the door.”
- If you are detained, do not sign any documents.
If you or someone you know needs the medium-level protection of filing a U visa or VAWA case immediately, Call 954.385.0157 or Click “For Future Clients” to schedule a chat with our asylum immigration experts.
#VAWASurvivors #UvisaHelp #ImmigrationProtection #BlandonLaw #ImmigrationNews #ICEArrests #LegalSupport #ImmigrationLawyer #YourLawyerYourLanguage #SurvivorSupport
Disclaimer – These entries are based on real life events. Family member names, when used, are real. Client names are changed for privacy.
