US relaxes visa application for crime victims


By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:07:00 06/01/2009

MANILA, Philippines—The United States government is mapping out mechanisms that would make it easier for victims of human trafficking and other severe crimes in their country to secure permanent residency and at the same time find work while they are awaiting decision on their visa applications.

In its recommendations dated May 22, a copy of which was obtained by INQUIRER.net, the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) said it “recognizes that T and U nonimmigrant applicants are a vulnerable population and will continue to ensure that our policies and procedures are legally sound and reflect the humanitarian nature of, and law enforcement purposes for, the classification.â€