Immigrants sue over failure to issue visas to crime victims

SAN FRANCISCO Attorneys for undocumented immigrants who have suffered violent crimes are suing the federal government for failing to issue them protective visas approved by Congress more than six years ago.

The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act created a visa category that would allow victims of violent crimes who cooperate with law enforcement to remain in the country and eventually apply for permanent residency.

The act was signed into law in 2000, but attorneys for the immigrants say federal immigration authorities still have not issued application forms or regulations for implementing the so-called "U" visa.

Without the visa, it's impossible for qualifying immigrants to take advantage of the protection.

Groups filing the lawsuit on behalf of a dozen qualifying immigrants include the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, the Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach and several other immigrant organizations.

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