Immigrant Issues and Rights
Legal Information
PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Planning for Custody and Care of Children: an Informational Guide for Immigrant Families
This guide is designed to provide important basic information about child custody to immigrant families.
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.
Planning for Custody and Care of Children: an Informational Guide for Immigrant Families
This guide is designed to provide important basic information about child custody to immigrant families.
Immigrant Workers Have Rights!
Know your rights and enforce them! No matter what your immigration status is, these rights apply to all!
Immigration and Unemployment Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many comman questions about immigration status and unemployment compensation benefits.
Many Immigrants Can Get Medical Assistance for Coronavirus Treatment
Information about immigrant eligibility for Medical Assistance and about access to for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
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)
Know Your Rights About Public Charge - Resources for People Working with Immigrant Families
Information from the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign dedicated to providing community-facing materials on public charge to better equip immigrants with what they need to know to make the best decision for themselves and for their families.
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)
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. This provides information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on U nonimmigrant status.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beware of Dishonest Immigration Consultants [PDF]
Brochure from the National Consumer Law Center discussing how to look out for dishonest immigration consultants. [PDF]
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)
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.