Human trafficking for illegal immigration is a extreme form of greed to make quick money and involves the exploitation of people for the purpose of illegally transporting them across borders. Victims of human trafficking for illegal immigration are often lured into these situations through deception by showing them greener pastures abroad.
Human trafficking for illegal immigration can have a devastating impact on victims, both physically and emotionally. Though there are no official estimates published, it is estimated that about 50% of the victims are not able to reach the intended destination, they either face arrest, deported or many even die en-route.
Most Trafficking Victims face Stress, High expenses, debts, mental disorders
Victims of human trafficking for illegal immigration are forced to pay high fees for their transportation and other expenses. This can leave them in debt and unable to support themselves when they arrive in their destination country. In addition, victims of human trafficking for illegal immigration are often isolated from their families and friends for long duration. This can make it difficult for them to get help.
Victims of human trafficking for illegal immigration generally do not have the necessary documentation, such as passports or visas, as usually their passports are retained by the traffickers. This can make it difficult for them to travel or find employment.
In some cases, victims of human trafficking may be charged with crimes, such as prostitution or drug possession. This can happen because they were forced to commit these crimes by their traffickers.
These victims can still be deported to home country even if they cooperate with law enforcement
Victims of human trafficking who are undocumented immigrants may be deported to their home countries, even if they are willing to cooperate with law enforcement. This can be a very dangerous and difficult situation for victims, as they may face persecution or retaliation in their home countries.
It is important to remember that victims of human trafficking are not criminals. They are survivors of a crime. They deserve our compassion and support.
Help is around for such Victims of Human Trafficking in form of T-Visa,
The T visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of human trafficking who are willing to help law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases.
The T visa allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States for up to four years, with the possibility of extensions.
Download T-Visa application form here
Interested persons can download T-Visa application forms from here, which are updated as on 11September 2023. Along with the forms are also given instructions to use, please download all 5 attachments.
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To apply for a T visa, you must:
- File Form I-914, Application for T Non-immigrant Status, with USCIS. This form requires you to provide personal information, information about the trafficking you experienced.
- Prove that you are a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
- Be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry, as a result of trafficking.
- Be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases.
- Be admissible to the United States or be eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility.
How to prove that you are Victim of Human Trafficking
There are a few ways to prove that you are a victim of human trafficking. These include:
Testimonial evidence:
This is your own personal account of the trafficking you experienced. It is important to be as detailed as possible in your testimony, and to include information about the circumstances of your trafficking, the people involved, and the harm you experienced.
Documentary evidence:
This can include police reports, medical records, or other documentation that corroborates your testimony.
Expert testimony:
This can be from a doctor, psychologist, or other professional who can testify about the effects of human trafficking on victims.
Collateral evidence:
This can include things like letters from friends or family members, or photographs of injuries or trauma.
The specific evidence that you need to prove that you are Victim of Human Trafficking will vary depending on the circumstances of your trafficking. However, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
Once you complete the application, you need to schedule an interview with USCIS. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your application and the trafficking you experienced.
If your application is approved, you will be granted T non-immigrant status. This status allows you to remain in the United States for up to four years, with the possibility of extensions.
Once T-Visa is granted, You will also be eligible for employment Authorization document
You will also be eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD), which allows you to work in the United States.
You may be denied a T visa if you are not eligible or if you do not provide enough evidence to support your application. It is good idea to contact a qualified immigration lawyer to discuss your options for applying for a T visa.
Processing time for T-Visa Application
The processing time for a T visa can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the availability of resources, and the workload of the USCIS office that is processing the case. It can usually go upto 3 years.
If you are a victim of human trafficking, you should not delay in applying for a T visa. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will be able to get the protection and assistance you need.
Fee for applying T-Visa
The non-immigrant visa application processing fee for a T visa is USD185. This fee is payable by the applicant, regardless of their age.
Here are some of the additional expenses that you may incur:
Immigration lawyer fees:
The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and expertise. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from USD1,000 to USD5,000 for legal fees.
Translation fees:
If you are submitting documents in a language other than English, you will need to pay for translation fees. These fees can vary depending on the length and complexity of the documents.
Other expenses:
There may be other expenses that you incur, such as fees for obtaining police reports or medical records, travel expenses etc.
However, the benefits of obtaining a T visa can be life-changing:
You may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (green card) after you have been granted T non-immigrant status (conditions apply as being in US for 3 years after first being lawfully admitted as a T non-immigrant.
However, you must have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases.
Other Sources where Victims of Human Trafficking can seek help
If you are a victim of human trafficking, there are resources available to help you. You can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit their website at https: // humantraffickinghotline (.) org/.