SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

The U visa provides immigration relief for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Anaheim, home to one of the largest Arab communities in Southern California through Little Arabia, has a significant population of immigrants who may qualify for U visa protection but are unaware of their rights. Fear of deportation prevents many Arab crime victims from reporting crimes or cooperating with police. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to help victims in Anaheim understand and access U visa protections.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding the U Visa: Protection for Immigrant Crime Victims

Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa in 2000 through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act. The purpose is to strengthen the ability of law enforcement to detect, investigate, and prosecute crimes against immigrants while offering protection to victims who cooperate with authorities. USCIS issues up to 10,000 U visas per year. As of 2026, the U visa waitlist exceeds 300,000 pending petitions, with average processing times of 5 to 7 years from filing to approval. Despite these long wait times, filing a U visa petition provides immediate benefits including a bona fide determination that grants deferred action and work authorization while your case is pending. For Arab crime victims in Anaheim, the U visa represents a critical pathway to safety and legal status.

U Visa Feature	Details	Benefit for Victims
Annual Cap	10,000 U visas per fiscal year	High demand demonstrates widespread need and congressional support
Deferred Action	Granted with bona fide determination	Protection from deportation while petition is pending
Work Authorization	EAD issued with bona fide determination	Legal employment while waiting for U visa approval
Duration	4 years of U nonimmigrant status	Stability to rebuild life after crime victimization
Path to Green Card	Eligible to apply after 3 years in U status	Permanent immigration solution for qualifying victims

Qualifying Crimes for U Visa Eligibility

The U visa covers victims of a wide range of criminal activities. To qualify, you must have been the victim of a qualifying crime that occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law. You must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime. You must have information about the criminal activity and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Common qualifying crimes affecting Arab immigrants in Anaheim include domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and fraud in foreign labor contracting.

•Domestic violence: The most common qualifying crime for Arab U visa applicants, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse by a spouse or family member
•Sexual assault: Including rape, sexual exploitation, and other sexual offenses regardless of the victim's relationship to the perpetrator
•Human trafficking: Labor trafficking and sex trafficking, particularly affecting workers in restaurants, retail, and service industries in Anaheim
•Kidnapping and false imprisonment: Including situations where an abuser controls movement through threats or document confiscation
•Extortion and blackmail: Including threats to report immigration status to authorities unless the victim complies with demands
•Fraud in foreign labor contracting: Workers brought to the US under false promises about working conditions or wages
•Felonious assault, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, perjury, and other qualifying criminal activities

U Visa Application Process Step by Step

The U visa application process involves multiple steps and requires coordination between the victim, law enforcement, and USCIS. SoCal Immigration Services guides Arab families in Anaheim through each phase of this process with Arabic-speaking staff who understand the cultural sensitivities involved in reporting crimes and working with police.

1
Report the Crime to Law Enforcement
Contact the Anaheim Police Department or appropriate law enforcement agency to report the crime. You do not need to be in the US legally to report a crime. Police officers are required to take your report regardless of immigration status. Request a police report number for your records.
2
Obtain Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918B)
Request that the investigating law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or judge sign Form I-918 Supplement B certifying that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and were helpful in the investigation. The Anaheim Police Department has a designated certifying official for U visa requests. Certification requests should be submitted in writing.
3
File Form I-918 (U Visa Petition) with USCIS
Submit the completed Form I-918 along with the signed Supplement B, a personal declaration describing the crime and its impact, evidence of substantial abuse, and evidence of helpfulness to law enforcement. There is no filing fee for the U visa petition.
4
Request Bona Fide Determination and Work Authorization
USCIS conducts an initial review and, if your petition appears meritorious, issues a bona fide determination granting deferred action and work authorization (EAD). This typically occurs within 12 to 18 months of filing.
5
Wait for U Visa Approval and Apply for Green Card
When a U visa number becomes available, USCIS approves your petition and grants 4 years of U nonimmigrant status. After 3 years in U status, you may apply for a green card (adjustment of status) using Form I-485.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Why Arab Victims Hesitate to Report

Arab immigrants in Anaheim face unique cultural barriers that prevent them from reporting crimes and pursuing U visa protection. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them. Family honor and shame dynamics create powerful pressure to keep abuse private, particularly in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault. Many victims fear family ostracism, community judgment, or retaliation if they involve police. Language barriers compound these challenges, as victims may struggle to communicate with English-speaking officers. Immigration status fears lead many victims to believe that contacting police will result in deportation. In reality, Anaheim Police Department operates under policies that separate criminal investigations from immigration enforcement. SoCal Immigration Services provides a confidential, culturally sensitive bridge between Arab crime victims and the U visa process.

•Family honor concerns should never prevent you from reporting abuse; your safety and your children's safety come first
•Anaheim Police Department does not inquire about immigration status during crime reports
•California law protects victims who report crimes regardless of immigration status
•Arabic interpreters are available through the Anaheim PD and Orange County courts
•Community organizations in Little Arabia provide confidential victim support services
•Domestic violence shelters in Orange County accept victims regardless of immigration status
•U visa protections extend to qualifying family members including children under 21

U Visa Benefits for Family Members

The U visa provides derivative benefits for qualifying family members of the principal petitioner. If you are under 21 years old, you may include your spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18 on your petition. If you are 21 or older, you may include your spouse and children under 21. Derivative family members receive the same immigration benefits as the principal, including deferred action, work authorization, and eventually eligibility for a green card. For Arab families in Anaheim, these derivative benefits are critical because crime victimization often affects the entire family unit. Domestic violence impacts children who witness abuse. Human trafficking may involve multiple family members. The U visa recognizes these family dynamics and provides comprehensive protection.

Petitioner Age	Eligible Derivatives	Form to File	Benefits Received
Under 21	Spouse, children, parents, unmarried siblings under 18	Form I-918 Supplement A	Same as principal: deferred action, EAD, U status, green card eligibility
21 or older	Spouse and children under 21	Form I-918 Supplement A	Same as principal: deferred action, EAD, U status, green card eligibility
Any age	Family members facing danger due to cooperation with law enforcement	Form I-918 Supplement A	Protection from harm based on victim's cooperation

How SoCal Immigration Services Supports U Visa Applicants in Anaheim

SoCal Immigration Services provides comprehensive support for Arab crime victims in Anaheim pursuing U visa protection. Our Arabic-speaking staff creates a safe, confidential environment where victims can discuss their experiences without fear of judgment. We understand the cultural dynamics of Arab families and approach each case with sensitivity and respect. We assist with preparing personal declarations, gathering supporting evidence, organizing police reports and medical records, and completing all required USCIS forms. For cases requiring legal representation, we maintain referral relationships with immigration attorneys experienced in U visa cases who serve the Anaheim area.

•Confidential Arabic-language intake and case assessment for crime victims
•Assistance preparing personal declarations describing the crime and its impact
•Guidance on obtaining law enforcement certification (Form I-918B) from Anaheim PD
•Complete petition preparation including Form I-918 and all supporting documents
•Help gathering evidence of substantial abuse including medical records and police reports
•Work authorization (EAD) application assistance upon bona fide determination
•Referrals to domestic violence shelters, counseling services, and immigration attorneys

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can undocumented immigrants in Anaheim apply for a U visa?

A: Yes. The U visa is specifically designed for immigrant crime victims regardless of their immigration status. You do not need to have legal status to qualify for a U visa.

Q:How long does the U visa process take in 2026?

A: Due to the 10,000 annual cap and high demand, the U visa process currently takes 5 to 7 years from filing to approval. However, a bona fide determination granting work authorization typically comes within 12 to 18 months.

Q:Will the police ask about my immigration status if I report a crime?

A: No. Anaheim Police Department does not inquire about immigration status when taking crime reports. California law protects crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement.

Q:Can my family members get U visa benefits too?

A: Yes. Qualifying family members can receive derivative U visa status, including deferred action, work authorization, and eventual green card eligibility. Eligible derivatives depend on your age at filing.

Q:Is there a fee to apply for the U visa?

A: No. There is no filing fee for the U visa petition (Form I-918). USCIS also waives fees for related applications including work permits for U visa applicants.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Anaheim and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 13, 2026Last Updated: February 13, 2026

U Visa Help for Crime Victims in Anaheim

If you are an Arab immigrant in Anaheim who has been a victim of crime, our Arabic-speaking team provides confidential assistance with your U visa petition. You have rights regardless of your immigration status. Call (714) 421-8872 for a private consultation in Arabic or English.

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U Visa Services for Crime Victims in Anaheim: Arabic-Speaking Immigration Help