Protection for Victims of Human Trafficking
If you or a loved one has been a victim of human trafficking, you are not alone—and you may qualify for a T Visa. Our immigration team is here to guide you with compassion, confidentiality, and clear explanations at every step.
What Is a T Visa?
The T Visa is a special immigration benefit for victims of human trafficking—both labor and sex trafficking—who are in the United States and have suffered serious harm or exploitation. It was created to protect survivors and encourage them to seek safety and justice without fear of being deported.
With a T Visa, eligible victims may be able to:
- Stay lawfully in the United States for a limited period.
- Work legally with employment authorization.
- Access certain benefits and services to support recovery.
- Apply for permanent residence (a green card) in the future, if they meet the requirements.
Who Can Qualify for a T Visa?
Every case is unique, but in general, you may be eligible for a T Visa if:
- You are a victim of severe human trafficking (labor or sex trafficking).
- You are physically present in the United States (or at a port of entry) because of the trafficking.
- You have complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the traffickers (with some exceptions, especially for children or those unable to cooperate due to trauma).
- You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if you were forced to return to your home country.
- You are otherwise admissible to the United States or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.
Because trafficking situations are complex and often involve threats, coercion, and fear, many survivors do not realize they may qualify for this type of protection. Speaking with an experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options safely.
Signs You May Have Been a Victim of Trafficking
Human trafficking does not always look like what we see in movies. It can happen in homes, farms, restaurants, factories, construction sites, hotels, and many other places. You may have been a victim if one or more of these apply:
- Someone controlled your passport or identity documents and refused to return them.
- You were forced to work very long hours with little or no pay.
- You were threatened with deportation, arrest, or harm if you refused to work.
- You were restricted from leaving your workplace or home without permission.
- You were pressured, tricked, or forced into commercial sex or labor.
- Your trafficker threatened your family if you did not obey.
If any of this sounds familiar, you deserve safety, support, and legal guidance.
Benefits of a T Visa
A T Visa can be an important step toward rebuilding your life. If your application is approved, you may be able to:
- Receive lawful immigration status in the U.S. for up to 4 years (with possible extensions in certain cases).
- Apply for work authorization, so you can legally work and support yourself.
- Access certain federal and state benefits and services available to trafficking survivors.
- Apply for T status for certain family members, such as:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents and minor siblings (in some cases, especially if the victim is under 21)
- Apply for a green card after meeting specific requirements
Our firm can help you understand which family members may be included and what steps are required.
How Our Immigration Team Helps T Visa Clients
We understand that talking about trafficking can be extremely painful and frightening. Our role is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard and protected.
When you work with our firm, we will:
- Listen to your story with care and confidentiality.
- Help you identify whether your situation fits the legal definition of trafficking.
- Collect and organize evidence to support your T Visa application.
- Coordinate, when appropriate, with law enforcement or advocates involved in your case.
- Prepare and file all required USCIS forms and supporting documents.
- Keep you informed at every step, answering your questions in clear, simple language. You do not have to navigate this process alone.
T Visa vs. U Visa – What’s the Difference?
Many survivors are unsure whether a T Visa or a U Visa is right for them. While both are forms of protection for victims of certain crimes, they are different:
- T Visa is specifically for victims of human trafficking.
- U Visa is for victims of a wider range of serious crimes (such as domestic violence, assault, or other qualifying offenses) who cooperate with law enforcement.
Sometimes, survivors may qualify for more than one option. Our attorneys will review your circumstances and explain which path—or combination of options—may provide the strongest protection for you and your family.
Your Safety Comes First
We know that many trafficking survivors fear retaliation from traffickers or employers or worry that speaking up could put their family at risk. Your safety is our highest priority.
- We treat your information as confidential.
- We explain how the process works and what to expect.
- We work with you to develop a safety plan when needed.
- We can also connect you, when appropriate, with community organizations and support services for additional help.
Take the First Step Toward Protection
If you believe you or a loved one may have been a victim of human trafficking, you don’t have to stay in the shadows. There may be legal protections available to help you stay in the United States and rebuild your life.
Speak with an immigration attorney about your options.
We are here to listen, to believe you, and to help you move toward safety and stability in the U.S.
