Buncombe County Hopes Visa Program Builds a Partnership with Area Immigrants

Buncombe County -- May 24, 2023: Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes Policy 117 describes the procedures for the department's certification of U and T nonimmigrant status.

The department certification will only be available for immigrants assisting with the investigation. Those assisting will
be eligible for one of two visas:

The U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa) offers immigrant benefits to some crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement.
If approved, the T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa) for victims of trafficking enables them to stay and work in the nation for up to four years.

“This policy is meant to encourage immigrant victims to report crimes and protect them from becoming victims of criminal activity. The collaboration between our office and community partners reflects our dedication to finding better ways to serve victims of crimes and their families. This policy demonstrates the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to creating a safer and better community of WE.” - Sheriff Quentin Miller.

“Our VOICE is grateful to partner with Pisgah Legal Services and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office on this exciting initiative to streamline the visa process. This initiative improves transparency and commitment to upholding justice for undocumented survivors of serious crimes, including sexual violence and human trafficking. We know that undocumented survivors often face additional obstacles in the criminal justice system, and we hope that this policy will provide more access for undocumented survivors that choose to take the step of reporting." - Our VOICE
“The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Pisgah Legal Services have a long history of working together to support victims of serious crimes. This initiative builds on that history to increase trust in the immigrant community, encourage the reporting of crimes and create a safer Buncombe County for everyone”. – Pisgah Legal Services

The policy began April 17, 2023

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