U.S. Citizenship and Human Trafficking Victims (T Visa Holders)

1. What is a T Visa?


A T Visa is a type of visa available to victims of human trafficking who have been in the United States for at least three years and who are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking. This visa allows victims to remain in the U.S. and receive benefits such as work authorization, access to social services, and protection from deportation.

2. How many types of T Visas are there?


There are two types of T Visas: T nonimmigrant status (T-1) and U nonimmigrant status (T-2). The T-1 visa is for victims of human trafficking who are in the United States, and the T-2 visa is for family members of those victims who are outside of the United States.

3. Who is eligible for a T Visa?


A T Visa is a special temporary visa for people who are or have been victims of human trafficking. To be eligible for a T Visa, an individual must demonstrate that they: (1) are or have been a victim of severe human trafficking in the United States; (2) have complied with any reasonable request from a law enforcement agency for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking; (3) have suffered extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm as a result of the trafficking; (4) demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States; and (5) are physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry due to trafficking.

4. What rights and privileges do T Visa holders have?


T Visa holders are allowed to remain and work in the United States for up to four years. They are also able to apply for permanent residence after three years. Additionally, they can be eligible for federal public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits, and access to social services. They may also be eligible for U visas, which provide some additional rights and benefits such as travel authorization, employment authorization, and protection from deportation.

5. What conditions must be met to apply for a T Visa?


In order to be eligible for a T Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons;
2. Be physically present in the United States on account of such trafficking;
3. Comply with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking;
4. Demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if they were removed from the United States; and
5. Be admissible as an immigrant to the United States, or, if not admissible, must be granted a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.

6. How long is a T Visa valid for?


A T Visa is valid for up to four years.

7. What are the requirements for a T Visa holder to become a U.S. citizen?


In order to become a U.S. citizen, a T Visa holder must first become a lawful permanent resident (also known as obtaining a green card). After being a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years and meeting other requirements, including passing an English and civics test, they may apply to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

8. What are the requirements to renew a T Visa?


To renew a T Visa, an applicant must demonstrate that:

1. They continue to be a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons;

2. They have complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking;

3. They would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if they were removed from the United States; and

4. Their continued presence in the United States is justified on humanitarian grounds, to ensure continuity of immigration status, or is otherwise in the public interest.

In addition, applicants for renewal must provide evidence of their residence in the United States for at least 3 years since their initial grant of T nonimmigrant status or a factual showing of compelling circumstances that justify granting an extension of less than 3 years.

9. What is the difference between a T Visa and other immigration visas?


A T Visa is a non-immigrant visa that is specifically designated for victims of human trafficking. This type of visa has specific eligibility criteria that must be met in order to qualify, such as showing proof of having been a victim of a severe form of trafficking, and demonstrating that the victim is willing to assist law enforcement officials in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking-related crimes. It also requires that the individual prove they would suffer extreme hardship if they were removed from the U.S. Unlike other immigration visas, a T Visa does not have a numerical cap which limits the number of visas that can be granted each year. Additionally, T Visa recipients are eligible for work authorization and may be eligible for additional benefits like job training and mental health counseling.

10. Are family members of T Visa holders also eligible to receive a T Visa?


Yes, family members of T Visa holders may be eligible to receive a T Visa. The family members must meet the same qualifications as the principal alien in order to receive a T Visa.

11. How does the U.S. Government help victims of human trafficking?


The U.S. Government has a number of programs in place to support victims of human trafficking. These include the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (VTVPA) which was established in 2000 to provide services and protections to survivors. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also provides services to victims through its Office of Refugee Resettlement, including emergency shelter, legal assistance, medical care, mental health services, and other social services. The Department of State funds anti-trafficking programs around the world, and the Department of Justice provides funding for victim services and legal assistance for victims through its Office for Victims of Crime. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security operates a Victim Assistance Program that provides services such as temporary immigration relief, financial assistance, counseling, and other support.

12. What protections are available to human trafficking victims in the U.S.?


In the United States, human trafficking victims are protected by federal and state laws, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. This law provides services such as shelter, food, medical and mental health care, and access to courts through the issuance of special visas. The TVPA also offers financial assistance to victims for relocation and other needs. Additionally, some states have enacted additional laws to protect and assist victims of human trafficking. These laws may include access to public benefits, protection from deportation, and access to additional assistance such as education, employment counseling, and legal services.

13. Are there any organizations that provide assistance to human trafficking victims in the U.S.?


Yes, there are numerous organizations in the U.S. that provide assistance to human trafficking victims. These include The Polaris Project, Free the Slaves, International Justice Mission, Not For Sale, The A21 Campaign, and The Salvation Army, among others. All of these organizations provide various forms of support for victims such as legal assistance, housing, counseling, and job training.

14. How can I help victims of human trafficking in the U.S.?


There are many ways you can help fight human trafficking in the U.S. One way is to support organizations that are working to combat trafficking, such as Polaris, ECPAT-USA, and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. You can also get involved in anti-trafficking advocacy campaigns and organizations at the local level. Finally, if you witness any suspicious activity related to human trafficking, report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

15. What are the penalties for those who exploit human trafficking victims in the U.S.?


In the United States, perpetrators of human trafficking can be punished with hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. Depending on the severity of the case, a person may be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. A conviction for human trafficking may result in fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and imprisonment from five years to life. If a person is convicted of human trafficking involving sex trafficking, they may also face restitution payments to the victims.

16. Are there any programs available to help human trafficking victims find employment in the U.S.?


Yes, there are many programs available to help human trafficking victims find employment in the U.S. These include the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trafficking in Persons Program, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, the International Rescue Committee, Polaris, the Human Trafficking Legal Center, and many more. These organizations provide resources such as job training and placement services, legal assistance, counseling and support services, and other assistance to help victims of human trafficking find safe, meaningful employment.

17. What types of services are available to help human trafficking victims in the U.S.?


Many organizations provide services to help human trafficking victims in the U.S., such as:
• Legal assistance
• Medical and mental health support
• Emergency shelter
• Job training and placement services
• Education and vocational skills development
• Language and cultural services
• Crisis intervention and counseling
• Trafficking-specific case management services
• Immigration assistance and naturalization services

18. Are there any legal services available for T Visa holders?


Yes, there are legal services available for T Visa holders. Organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Immigration Council, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center offer free or low-cost legal services to T Visa holders. Additionally, many nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations provide assistance to T Visa holders in obtaining legal assistance to ensure their rights and interests are protected.

19. Are there any organizations that provide financial assistance to human trafficking victims in the U.S.?


Yes, there are numerous organizations that provide financial assistance to human trafficking victims in the U.S. Some of these organizations include Polaris, Not For Sale, The National Human Trafficking Hotline, The Freedom Network USA, and The Salvation Army. Each of these organizations provides various types of financial assistance to survivors depending on their individual needs.

20. Are there any resources available for those who wish to learn more about human trafficking and its victims in the U.S.?


Yes, there are many resources available for those who wish to learn more about human trafficking and its victims in the U.S. These include books, websites, and organizations that specialize in the topic and provide free or low-cost resources. The Polaris Project, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are all resources that provide comprehensive information on human trafficking in the U.S. In addition, there are many books available on the subject, such as Human Trafficking: A Global Perspective by Louise Shelley and Invisible Chains: Psychological Abuse of Human Trafficking Victims by Anne Gallagher. These resources can help provide a better understanding of human trafficking and its victims in the U.S.