Immigrant Crime Victims / U & T-Visa

Victim Rights for Oregon Immigrants

Victims of crime in Oregon have constitutionally protected victims’ rights regardless of their national origin. These rights include:

  • access to emergency medical care
  • access to police assistance
  • having the perpetrators of crimes against them prosecuted
  • obtaining community-based services necessary to protect their life and safety

The Department of Homeland Security may not make unfavorable immigration decisions based solely upon information provided by a spouse, parent or other family member who resides in the same household as the immigrant, who is abusive toward the immigrant or the immigrant’s child. See U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Information: 8 USCA § 1367(a)(1) »

U Visa

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are likely to be helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Congress created the U visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000.

The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases while also protecting victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to the crime.

Please contact your local district attorney victim assistance program»  for information on certifying officials.

Trafficking Intervention Advisory Committee

The Department of Justice Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division (CVSSD) Trafficking Intervention Advisory Committee»  advises and supports the Attorney General’s work developing a coordinated statewide response to child and youth sex trafficking.

For more information visit the Advisory Committee»  page, or contact:

Amanda Swanson
Trafficking Intervention Coordinator
combatingtrafficking@doj.oregon.gov

To Receive Help, Report Trafficking or Learn More

  • call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or
  • send a text to BeFree (233733).

Additional Resources