CRJ322 Human Trafficking, A Hidden Crime, Unit 5.2 DB: T-Visas, Post University

CRJ322 Human Trafficking,  A Hidden Crime, Unit 5.2 DB: T-Visas

 

There are relatively few T-Visas issued annually.  How should the qualifications associated with T-Visas be changed to allow more people access to this resource?  Discuss what changes can be made to this program so that victims of human trafficking are less hesitant to apply for these visas. Evaluate two of your peers’ posts, question the validity of the changes they have identified as being necessary for the T-Visa program.  Discuss how these changes can be implemented. 

Based on what I found about the T Visa program so far, it appears to be in line with helping victims of this crime, including not charging to apply for the application. The process gives clear guidelines for what will happen and who the victim will be working with.  

A T visa, also known as T nonimmigrant status, is a temporary immigration benefit that allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States:  

• Purpose: T visas protect victims and help law enforcement investigate and prosecute human trafficking.  
• Eligibility: Victims of severe forms of human trafficking who assist law enforcement are eligible for a T visa.  
• Length of stay: T visa holders can stay in the United States for up to four years.  
• Application: The application for T nonimmigrant status is I-914.  
• Processing time: The waiting time for a T visa is usually 17 to 36 months, but the exact processing time depends on several factors.  
• Eligibility for a Green Card: T visa holders may be eligible for a Green Card if they meet certain requirements, including:  

• Being lawfully admitted to the United States as a T-1 nonimmigrant  
• Maintaining continuous physical presence in the United States for at least three years 

“Efforts need to be made to remove as many barriers as possible in the T visa process to help trafficking victims receive the immigration relief promised by this initiative. The process needs to avoid re-traumatizing victims whenever possible, create resources in multiple languages, and grant temporary work visas in addition to trying to shorten the processing time. With these changes, the T visa will start providing true humanitarian relief for survivors of human trafficking.” (Caplinger, C., 2021) 

 

““There is no fee to file a T visa application. Applicants can also request fee waivers for other forms filed as part of the application, including Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-131 Application for Travel Document, and Form I-485 Adjustment of Status, if applicable.” (No author given, 2024) 

 

Resources

Caplinger, C., 2021, Human Trafficking Search, T visas: Intent and Reality- Immigration Attorneys Share Challenges to ‘Humanitarian’ Approach, https://humantraffickingsearch.org/t-visas-intent-and-reality-immigration-attorneys-share-challenges-to-humanitarian-approach/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi_G5BhDXARIsAN5SX7rriy5kp7ROZ_Si4X8N7-WkGHNXAv_C3fp1kOoK48SDdgSyw4mUo9QaAt1hEALw_wcB 

No author given, 2024, Boundless, T Visas Explained,  https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/t-visa-explained/#:~:text=granted%20T%20status.-,T%20Visa%20Cost,of%20Status)%2C%20if%20applicable a