PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Know Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrant Families in Pennsylvania
The information in this packet is provided for informational purposes only. With the possibility of changes in immigration law and policy, it’s important to be ready! This is a guide to help you understand your rights, to prepare your family, and to help you find resources in Pennsylvania. This information is not a substitute for professional legal advice. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and obtain appropriate legal guidance.
Know Your Rights PA (Video)
This video from Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Pennsylvania (HIAS-PA) provides a guide to your rights when interacting with Law Enforcement.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Notarios Notorios (Notorious Notarios) (Video)
A notary public in America is not the equivalent of a notario publico in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico. A notary public is not a lawyer and is not authorized by the state to give legal advice or provide legal services. This video from the Visual Legal Advocacy Project at Penn Law, which is in Spanish and English, is intended to assist consumers in avoiding confusion between notaries and notarios when seeking legal help with immigration matters. (19:38) (August 2009)
Public Charge Update - Public Benefits and Your Immigration Status
This information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia explains how MANY Immigrants Can Safely Receive Public Benefits under current law. Many people are exempt from “public charge” rules. If public charge does not apply to you, you can receive ANY public benefit you qualify for without any risk to your immigration status.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. This classroom resource provides information about human trafficking, including how to deal with it, and how to report if you are a victim of trafficking.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
Immigration and Unemployment Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many common questions about immigration status and unemployment compensation benefits.
Public Charge Update - Public Benefits and Your Immigration Status
This information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia explains how MANY Immigrants Can Safely Receive Public Benefits under current law. Many people are exempt from “public charge” rules. If public charge does not apply to you, you can receive ANY public benefit you qualify for without any risk to your immigration status.
What is Immigration Fraud?
Information on Immigration Fraud - offering assistance they are not qualified to provide - from Justice at Work.
Sexual Violence Against Farmworkers: A Guidebook for Legal Providers
The goal of this guidebook from the Southern Poverty Law Center is to increase the knowledge and skills of legal professionals so that you can better serve farmworkers who have experienced sexual violence. It provides helpful explanations about the life and work of farmworkers as well as unique issues that may impact the services you provide. (April 2010)
Battered Spouse, Children & Parents - Immigrant Visa Petitions
As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This page provides informaton on that process.
Do You Need a Court Interpreter? (Video)
This video from the PA Courts explains how to request a court interpreter; what to expect; how to communicate with court staff outside the courtroom; and who is qualified to be a court interpreter.
Green Card Eligibility Categories
In order to apply for a Green Card, you must be eligible under one of the categories listed on this page. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.
Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes
This brochure from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information for Law Enforcement, Healthcare Providers, and Others about legal remedies available to victims of certain crimes. [PDF] (February 2010)
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Questions and Answers: Victims of Human Trafficking, T Nonimmigrant Status
T nonimmigrant status (T visa) is available to noncitizens who are or have been victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons and assist law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of acts of trafficking. This provides Questions and Answers pertaining to T nonimmigrant status from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Resources for Victims of Human Trafficking & Other Crimes
Information on resources for victims of human trafficking and other crimes and the organizations that serve them from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status
The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
Victims of Human Trafficking & Other Crimes
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) helps protect victims of human trafficking and other crimes by providing immigration relief. Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers lure individuals with false promises of employment and a better life. This provides information on the kind of help available from USCIS. For more information please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
Immigration Information from PASafeLaw.org
This section of PASafeLaw.org provides information to victims of crime and domestic abuse about the impact of their immigration status, which is often a major barrier to safety and self-sufficiency for victims of crime. Information is provided to victims of crime about certain protections they are provided under immigration law.
Information about U Visa
Information from Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center about U Visa, a visa designed for crime victims who have helped or are willing to help authorities investigating crimes.
Know Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrant Families in Pennsylvania
The information in this packet is provided for informational purposes only. With the possibility of changes in immigration law and policy, it’s important to be ready! This is a guide to help you understand your rights, to prepare your family, and to help you find resources in Pennsylvania. This information is not a substitute for professional legal advice. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and obtain appropriate legal guidance.
Know Your Rights PA (Video)
This video from Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Pennsylvania (HIAS-PA) provides a guide to your rights when interacting with Law Enforcement.
Notarios Notorios (Notorious Notarios) (Video)
A notary public in America is not the equivalent of a notario publico in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico. A notary public is not a lawyer and is not authorized by the state to give legal advice or provide legal services. This video from the Visual Legal Advocacy Project at Penn Law, which is in Spanish and English, is intended to assist consumers in avoiding confusion between notaries and notarios when seeking legal help with immigration matters. (19:38) (August 2009)
Catholic Social Services (Philadelphia)
222 N. 17th Street, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103
267-331-2490