US To Reward Victims Of Crime With Visas

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

US To Reward Victims Of Crime With Visas

Hardbeatnews, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. Sept. 6, 2007: The U.S. government is set to reward Caribbean and other immigrant victims of crimes, who help them prosecute their offenders, with a visa to stay in the United States.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services yesterday announced they are publishing an interim final rule that will grant immigrant benefits to certain victims of crimes who will assist government and law enforcement officials in investigating or prosecuting the criminal activity.

The U nonimmigrant status is being set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse because of the crime and who not only have information regarding the activity, but also are willing to assist government officials in the investigation of the criminal activity.

Many immigrant crime victims fear coming forward to assist law enforcement because they may not have legal status," explained USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez. "We're confident that we have developed a rule that meets the spirit of the Act; to help curtail criminal activity, protect victims, and encourage them to fully participate in proceedings that will aid in bringing perpetrators to justice.

Up to 10,000 U-visas will be granted each year under the plan that will allow the holder to remain in the United States for up to four years. The new rule will take effect in 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

New forms have been developed for petitioners requesting status under this new classification, including Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-918) and Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Recipient (Form I-918, Supplement A).

The U classification was created by Congress in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act and offers not only protection and temporary benefits to alien victims but also bolsters law enforcement capabilities to investigate and prosecute criminal activity. Hardbeatnews.com

Edited September 6, 2007 by WifeOHunkyJohn

[Caladan 19]

Doesn't really seem like a bad idea, assuming that it's along the lines of 'I can bring down this drug kingpin' and not 'I think I saw someone breaking into a 7/11.'

[AtlantiCat 0]

So this is meant to help victims of human trafficking and such? Sounds like a good idea to me.

Does this mean I can beat up my fiance and drag him into the country kicking and screaming and he'll get a free 4-year visa?

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

Doesn't really seem like a bad idea, assuming that it's along the lines of 'I can bring down this drug kingpin' and not 'I think I saw someone breaking into a 7/11.'

agreed. "i saw someone steal a pencil, where's my visa."

[almaty 19]

i assume it is for certain crimes...i think it is a great idea..anything to lock up the offenders/criminals

[Sister Fracas 5]

hmmmm

why do I have this itchy feeling of skepticism.......

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Finally a new immigrant visa category: The "S" visa.

S = Snitch

[Sister Fracas 5]

Finally a new immigrant visa category: The "S" visa.

S = Snitch

heh heh heh

[almaty 19]

Finally a new immigrant visa category: The "S" visa.

S = Snitch

lol//that was good brother reinhard..........

[Fandango 1,439]

Does this mean I can beat up my fiance and drag him into the country kicking and screaming and he'll get a free 4-year visa?

LOL good one