Consequently. Maria served 22 years in jail before being pardoned. When Maria was released from prison she was detained by the immigration service as a convicted felon. I led efforts in Congress. along with community activists. to provide relief to Maria and release her from immigration detention. In 2004. Maria was granted a T visa. which is a visa for victims of trafficking and provides legal status for them to remain in the U.S. for 3 years. After 3 years. T visa holders can apply for permanent resident status. This legislation would allow for the reunification of victims and their families. and would help Maria Suarez and others like her by making the immigration service recognize that victims should not be held responsible for what they are forced to do while they are enslaved. I applaud Chairmen LANTOS and CONYERS for their hard work and continued dedication to this issue. Congress must continue fighting on behalf of those who have been forced into servitude and slavery and give these people a voice. I am hopeful that this legislation will give immigrant survivors of domestic violence and trafficking victims. such as Maria Suarez. a genuine opportunity to explain their circumstances before Federal authorities.
Keywords matched
immigrant visa immigration