What is the primary purpose of a U-Visa?

The primary purpose of a U-Visa is to enable victims of certain crimes to remain in the United States while they assist law enforcement agencies in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. This visa is specifically designed to provide protection and legal status to non-citizen victims who may be in the U.S. unlawfully and encourages them to cooperate with law enforcement without the fear of deportation. The U-Visa not only helps victims access necessary resources and support but also strengthens the ability of law enforcement to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice through the cooperation of victims who might otherwise be unwilling to come forward.

This unique angle of providing legal status based on victimization and cooperation with law enforcement distinguishes the U-Visa from other immigration classifications, which may focus on education, work authorization, or family relationships. Other options reflect different immigration purposes, such as temporary work authorization, student visas, and family-based migration, but they do not capture the specific intent behind the U-Visa program.