Humanitarian Relief

Humanitarian Relief Explained

 

The U.S. immigration system allows victims of crimes, mental or physical abuse, natural disasters, or other types of dangerous situations, to apply for humanitarian relief. These benefits allow the applicants and their family members to stay in the United States temporarily or permanently, depending on the circumstances of the case. The immigration lawyer Atlanta experts are here to help.

 

Some of the Humanitarian benefits available are the following:

• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Form I-360, self-petitions for permanent residency (green card) for victims of physical or mental abuse. NOT ONLY FOR WOMEN.
• U Visa, Form I-918, lawful status for victims of violent crimes
• Affirmative or Defensive Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Protection under the UN Convention Against Torture
• Temporary Protective Status (TPS)
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Form I-360, permanent residency for certain minors who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused
• Humanitarian Reinstatement of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative based on the petitioning relative’s death
• Humanitarian Deferred Action, discretionary relief for individuals with family members with severe illnesses
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Please note that as of September 5, 2017, the DACA program has been rescinded, with only a few options available

 

What Are Considered Humanitarian Crises?

 

Humanitarian issues are those that result in physical or mental health harm as a result of dire situations. For example, tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes, as well as armed conflicts, civil wars, and prosecutions of local governments, are considered humanitarian problems. When armed conflict breaks out or a natural disaster strikes, the lives of entire communities are affected.

Humanitarian-based relief provides protection to those in need, regardless of whether they are victims of natural disasters, displaced by civil war, or suffering persecution from a foreign government.

 

Who Is Eligible for Humanitarian Relief Visa?

 

Humanitarian immigration aims to provide refuge for those looking to escape these crises by providing them with temporary permissions to live and work in the United States. Although there are many types of immigration relief based on humanitarian crises, immigrants often have to meet certain conditions to be eligible.

To be eligible for humanitarian asylum, for instance, immigrants have to demonstrate evidence of past persecution in their home country and their inability to return due to fear of future prosecution.

Victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse have to be able to provide helpful information to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity to be eligible for U visas.

Although humanitarian visas can last up to several years, depending on the circumstances of the case, they are not a permanent solution. Working with an immigration attorney can be beneficial and help understand rights and options when it comes to humanitarian relief. Our lawyers are ready to review your case.