Thread: Special Visa's for illegal Aliens who Become Crime Victims

Special Visas for Illegal Aliens Who Become Crime Victims
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
September 06, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - People who come into the United States illegally and then become victims of crime may get special protection from the U.S. government.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Wednesday announced an interim final rule that grants "temporary immigration benefits" to crime victims who assist government officials in investigating or prosecuting the criminal activity.

The goal is to bring crime victims out of the shadows where they tend to hide if they fear deportation.

The new rule offers protection and temporary benefits to victims who are illegal aliens -- and it also bolsters the capabilities of police to investigate and prosecute criminal activity, USCIS said.

The public will have 60 days to comment on the rule, which is about to be published in the Federal Register.

"Many immigrant crime victims fear coming forward to assist law enforcement because they may not have legal status," said USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez.

He said the new rule "meets the spirit" of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act that Congress passed in 2000 and reauthorized in 2003.

According to USCIS, the new rule will help to curtail criminal activity, protect victims, and encourage them to help police bring criminals to justice.

The new rule establishes procedures for applicants seeking "U nonimmigrant status." (Congress created the "U" classification in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act.)

People eligible for "U nonimmigrant status" include those who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse because of illegal activity; have information regarding that activity; and are willing to assist government officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.

The crime must have happened in the United States (or its territories and possessions).

According to USCIS, "Individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may remain in the United States for up to four years, and may be accompanied by eligible family members (spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18, and parents).

"Not only do eligible petitioners obtain legal status to remain in the country, but [they] will also be provided referrals to nongovernmental organizations for assistance and additional resources, and automatic employment authorization."

USCIS said a total of 10,000 U-visas will be available each fiscal year, but the congressionally mandated cap does not apply to eligible family members.

New forms have been developed for people (and qualifying family members) seeking U Nonimmigrant Status.

The interim final rule (docket number USCIS 2006-0069) will be available for public comment at www.regulations.gov.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?P ... 0906b.html

They just won't give it up will they, do you think the special Interest groups have anything to do with any of this?

i think people already in the country legally and who are victims of illegal alien criminals should get special or at least adequate protection from the government.

Plus, then they'll just have created [yet another] incentive for illegals to become crime victims. It's the further perpetuation of the victimology mindset.

Since they could not pass amnesty they are going to do sneaky things like this to get their way.

This is absolutely absurb and plays on peoples sympathy.I hope everyone goes to the site and leaves a comment.......

This even leaves the DHS open to charges I bet !!

This is ludicrous! Now every illegal alien will "claim" they have been the victim of violence. They will pay people to bruise them to bolster credibility. Of course few will sustain "serious" injuries.

I'm surprised they aren't including injuries sustained while illegally enroute to the US. The never-ending saga of U.S. government Hispandering.

The interim final rule (docket number USCIS 2006-0069) will be available for public comment at www.regulations.gov.

Let's make sure we comment on this, and forward to talk radio outlets.

Well now every illegal is going to become a "crime victim"...

Sent to the John and Ken Show KFI 640 AM.

This entire situation gets more and more PATHETIC everyday!

This is BS!!!!!!

I am furious. Every day they just get more and more and more.