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• contents: Immigrants' Rights Update, October 5, 2007

Interim Rule for Applying for “U” Visa Finally Published

Immigrants' Rights Update, Vol. 21, Issue 8, October 5, 2007

     The Dept. of Homeland Security published, on Sept. 17, an interim rule (and also, on Sept. 27, a correction to the interim rule) that establishes the requirements and procedures for persons seeking U nonimmigrant status, which is available to victims of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking in persons who assist government officials in investigating or prosecuting such criminal activity.

     The rule takes effect Oct. 17, 2007.  The deadline for submitting written comments on the rule is Nov. 16, 2007.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also has issued a FAQs fact sheet on the new “U” visa rule, as well as a fact sheet titled “Certifying U Nonimmigrant Status.”