Pro-Bono Network

Visas for Crime Victims

with Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago  (LAF).

 

 

 

PBN helps immigrant victims of domestic violence and other crimes rebuild their lives in the United States. Under the Violence Against Women Act, immigrants can independently file for lawful permanent residency without having to rely on their abusive spouses. We also assist victims of crimes who, after assisting law enforcement, my apply for a U Visa. These administrative cases are filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

 

PBN has represented over 30 clients thus far. Due to our recruitment of volunteers who speak other languages, we are especially proud of being able to serve those who do not speak English as their primary language. These clients have the longest waiting times. 

 

LAF has been especially accommodating by holding multiple trainings and accepting case files through scanning. Its flexibility and enthusiasm for our partnership has reaped many rewards for the clients.

 

In 2013, LAF awarded Pierangela Murphy for her U Visa work. Ms. Murphy came to PBN as a retired corporate attorney who felt that her legal degree was valuable to those in need.