“I Always Screen for a T Visa”: The Role of Legal Representatives in Supporting Human Trafficking Victims

Abstract

ABSTRACT The T visa was created to protect immigrant victims and to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate human trafficking cases. Yet, there is limited information on the process of obtaining these visas. The current study sought to fill this gap by interviewing six legal representatives in Nebraska who have assisted 22 foreign national trafficking victims from Latin America. This project addresses UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 (promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies) by assessing how our T visa policy can protect vulnerable individuals from harm. Findings highlight the importance of law enforcement certification, challenges in filing the T visa application, and hardships if the T visa is not granted. Representatives noted that individuals who were approved were able to obtain employment and enroll in school. Other victims were still waiting on the results of their filed application, were still in consultations, or had been denied – resulting in uncertainty or deportation. Overall, the T visa was seen as an effective tool for responding to trafficking when it was successful. However, obtaining approval is an onerous task that can take substantial time and resources to meet all criteria. It will be important for future research to continue to explore the T visa process and outcomes.