Changes to the T visa regulations may assist victims of human trafficking in obtaining immigration status

A significant revision to the T visa application guidelines for victims of human trafficking was implemented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) late last month. T visas, which may be available for survivors and victims of human trafficking who meet certain conditions, offer a pathway to citizenship. Those eligible must have experienced a “severe form of trafficking in persons” as defined by federal law, which includes sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Survivors and victims can apply for permanent residency after three years with a T visa; the nonimmigrant status is often valid for four years. They may now be given deferred action, which allows them to work while they wait for their application to be fully accepted.