Know the Laws:
UPDATED December 18, 2009
The following information should not be considered as a legal opinion on specific facts or as a substitute for legal counsel. Circumstances around human trafficking and applying for a T-visa are usually complicated and need a case-by-case analysis. Please consult an attorney who understands the unique issues surrounding human trafficking BEFORE submitting anything to USCIS. For more information about services for trafficked victims prior to obtaining T-visa status, you can contact the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
- Basic information and definitions
- Who is eligible for a T-visa
- Explanation of eligibility requirements
- Applying for a T-visa
- After you have a T-visa
- Additional information and where to get help
Basic information and definitions
back to topWhat is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is the process by which one person (the “trafficker”) recruits another person (“the victim”) for the purposes of exploiting that person. The victim is generally controlled and held captive by the trafficker against her will. Traffickers use or threaten to use force, coercion, abduction, fraud, or deception to bring their victims under their control. Traffickers also take advantage of the vulnerable social or economic status of their victims to keep power over them.
Trafficking is basically a modern-day form of slavery. Generally, human trafficking victims are subjected to sexual exploitation, known as sex trafficking, or forced labor known as labor trafficking.* Sexual exploitation could include acts such as forced pornography, mail-order bride selling, or prostitution. Forced labor generally comes in two forms:
- Bonded labor (also known as debt bondage): This is when the victim (trafficked person) is forced to work indefinitely (without any reasonable limits on services or time) to pay off the person who smuggled her into the United States. Generally, the victim has no way to know when her debt is going to be paid off or how much her debt has been reduced by the work she has already performed.** The value of her work generally ends up being greater than the original amount of money "borrowed.”***
- Involuntary servitude / slavery: This is when victims are forced to work against their will, under the threat of violence or some other form of punishment. Traffickers could threaten to physically harm to the victim or the victim’s family and loved ones, but may also threaten to report the victim to the police (for her immigration status, prostitution, etc.) if she does not continue to work for the trafficker. The threats to report the victim to the police are known as “abuse of the legal process.”** Forms of forced labor can include domestic servitude (i.e., being a housekeeper); agricultural labor; sweatshop factory labor; janitorial, food service and other service industry labor; and begging.***
** 22 USC § 7102(8) available through the Cornell University website
*** National Human Trafficking Resource Center Fact Sheet
back to topWhat is a T-visa and what does it do?
A T-visa gives temporary non-immigrant status to victims of "severe forms of human trafficking" on the condition that they help law enforcement officials investigate and prosecute crimes related to human trafficking.* However, if the victim is under 18 years of age, the law does not require cooperation with police to obtain a T-visa.
T-visas allow victims of severe forms of trafficking to stay in the United States for four years from the date the T-visa application is approved. However, sometimes it can be longer than four years if a law enforcement authority certifies (officially states) that having the victim remain in the country for longer is necessary for investigating or prosecuting the crime.**
If a T-visa is granted, an employment authorization document (EAD) is also granted automatically, which means that the victim can legally work during her stay in the United States. There is no need to apply for separate employment authorization.*** T-visa status may also be available for immediate family members of a T-visa applicant. Immediate family members include spouses, children, and parents of applicants under 18.****
Note: T-visa status is also called “T-1 nonimmigrant status."
* 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(T)(i)
** 8 C.F.R. § 214.11(p)(1)
*** 8 C.F.R. § 214.11(l)(4)
**** 8 C.F.R. § 214.11(o)
back to topI think that I am a victim of severe human trafficking. How do I contact law enforcement for help?
To be able to apply for a T-visa, you must be willing to assist with law enforcement's investigation of the criminal traffickers. It is possible that you may come into contact with law enforcement after a place where you are being forced to work is "raided" by police. You do not have to wait for law enforcement to find you, however. If you are able to, you can make a report to law enforcement by contacting:
- Local police. For immediate help, you can call 911.
- A local FBI field office. To find a local FBI field office, you may visit the following link: http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm; or
- A U.S. Attorney’s Office. To find a local U.S. Attorney’s Office near you, you may visit the following link: http://www.justice.gov/usao/offices/.*
Note: When you contact law enforcement, you can ask for a “law enforcement agency (LEA) endorsement,” which is also known as a “declaration of law enforcement officer for victim of trafficking in persons,” or a Form I-914 Supplement B. This is basically a statement from a law enforcement officer that confirms that you have cooperated with their requests in investigating or prosecuting the case. Although this form is not required when you apply for a T-visa, it could help you make a stronger case to prove you should qualify for a T-visa since it is considered to be proof that you have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking, which is one of four requirements that you will have to prove.* For more information on all four requirements that you will have to prove, go to Am I eligible for a T-visa? For more information on applying, see Applying for a T-visa.
* 8 C.F.R. § 214.11(f)