NIWAP Web Library

U-Visa Introduction (44 minutes)

An introduction to the U-Visa featuring Tara Patet, a prosecutor in St. Paul, MN, and Investigator Michael LaRiviere from the Salem, MA Police Department, along with Rocio Molina, Deputy Director of NIWAP. This podcast covers the basics and fundamentals about what a U-Visa is, including certification and the concept of “helpfulness.”

T-Visa Introduction (25 minutes)

An introduction to the T-Visa featuring Stacey Ivie, a Detective and Task Force Officer with the City of Alexandria, Va., police department, along with Leslye Orloff, Director of NIWAP.

U-Visa FAQ’s (22 minutes)

Frequently asked questions about the U-Visa featuring Stacey Ivie, a Detective, and Task Force Officer with the City of Alexandria, Va., police department. This podcast debunks some commonly-held myths and answers some common questions.

Certifying Early (32 minutes)

This podcast emphasizes the importance of certifying early in the U-Visa and T-Visa processes. Featuring Christopher Freeman, a prosecutor from Hennepin County, MN, and Jane Anderson, a former prosecutor who now works at Aequitas, a resource for prosecutors on violence against women.

Building Relationships

A two-part episode featuring Sgt. Inspector Tony Flores, San Francisco Police Department, Officer Irene Lee Klein, West Hartford, Connecticut, Police Department, and Sharla Jackson, Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of GA.

Part One – Best Practices Working with Immigrant Victims (26 minutes)

Focuses on Best Practices for Working with Immigrant Victims.

Part Two – Working with NGOs and Applying Trauma-Informed Practices (47 minutes)

NIWAP’s Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, and Systems-Based Victim Advocates

Technical Assistance and Training Flyer – Law Enforcement and Prosecutors (September 27, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ta-flyer-lea
Technical Assistance and Training on Legal Rights of Immigrant Crime Victims (September 27, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/training-ta-flyer

Forms of Immigration Relief and Screening Tools

Bench Card: Overview of Types of Immigration Status http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/bchcrd-immstatustypes
Family Court Bench Card on Immigration Rights of Battered Spouses, Children and Immigrant Crime Victims http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/judg-tkit-bchcrdvictimsimmrights10-11-13
Bench Card on U Visa Victim Eligibility Process https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-benefits-benchcard
Blue Card: Screening for Victims Who Qualify for Immigration Protective Relief (Squad Car Screening Tool) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/screening-tool-victims-qualify
Sample Questions for Identifying a Trafficked/Enslaved Person http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/questions-for-identifying-trafficked-or-enslaved-persons/
Comparison Chart of U visa, T Visa, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/chart-vawa-t-u-sijs-daca/
Comparing Inadmissibility Waivers Available to Immigrant Victims in VAWA Self-Petitioning, U visa, T visa, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Cases https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/inadmissibility-chart-vawa-t-u-sijs

Know Your Rights Information

DHS Interactive Infographic on Protections for Immigrant Victims https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/infographic-on-protections-for-immigrant-victims
DHS Brochure: Immigration Options for Victims of Crime http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/imm-options-victims-of-crimes
USCIS, Immigration Relief for Abused, Abandoned, or Neglected Children Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification (January 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uscis-sij-brochure-2024
Victim Witness Resource – Victim Intimidation Brochure (English) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/victim-intimidation/
Multilingual Materials for Victims and Advocates https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/multilingual-materials-by-title
Pathways to Immigration Relief for Students http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/screening-students-for-immigraiton-protections/
Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States and Facts about Immigrating on a Marriage-Based Visa http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/marriage-based-legal-rights
Immigration Relief for Abused Children http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uscis_sijs_brochure
VAWA Confidentiality Protections, Courthouse Enforcement, and Sensitive Locations Policies at a Glance (December 27, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/victims-and-protected-locations-policies-at-a-glance
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Continued Presence Resource Guide (September 2023) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/continuedpresencetoolkit/
Brochure: Continued Presence & Temporary Immigration Status for Victims of Human Trafficking http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/continued-presence-temp-imm-status
Office on Trafficking in Persons Child Certification Handout https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/child_eligibility_handout
USCIS and Blue Campaign Continued Presence Pamphlet (February 28, 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/contin-presence-pamphlet-2

Glossary of Terms for Work with Immigrant Survivors

https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/appendix-z-glossary-of-terms/

Prosecutor’s Tools Enhancing Work with Immigrant Crime Victims

What’s Immigration Status Got to Do with It? Prosecution Strategies for Cases Involving Undocumented Victims http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/pretrial-strategies-7-24-17-final-with-logos/
Relevancy of a Victim’s Immigration Status in State Criminal Court Proceedings (August 24, 2022) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/relevance-victims-immigration-status
VAWA Confidentiality and Criminal Cases: How Prosecutors Should Respond to Discovery Attempts for Protected Information http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/discovery-and-vawa-confidentiality-tool-final-7-24-17/
Certifying Early: When Should You Sign a U or T Visa Certification for a Victim? http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/certifying-early-7-24-17-final-w-logo/
Quick Reference Guide for Prosecutors: U Visa and VAWA Confidentiality Related Case Law http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/quick-reference-guide-for-prosecutors-u-visa-and-vawa-confidentiality/
Family Court Bench Card on VAWA Confidentiality http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/family-court-bench-card-vawa-confidentiality
VAWA Confidentiality and Discovery Cases (October 18, 2022) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/vawa-confidentiality-cases
How to Argue or Rule on VAWA Confidentiality Protections in Discovery Involving Immigrant Survivors (November 18, 2022) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/how-to-vawa-confidentiality-discovery
How VAWA Confidentiality Impacts Discovery in Cases Involving Immigrant Survivors https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/discovery
Discovery and Use of Immigration Information in Court Checklist https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ca-discovery-vawa-confidentiality-bench-card

Department of Homeland Security Publications

Department of Homeland Security Policies: Important to Work with Immigrant Victims https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/dhspoliciesreleased2021
Policy Alert June 14, 2021: Bona Fide Determination Process for Victims of Qualifying Crimes, and Employment Authorization and Deferred Action for Certain Petitioners https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-bona-fide
ICE Directive 11005.3 – Using a Victim-Centered Approach with Noncitizen Crime Victims (August 10, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ice-victim-centered-directive-11005-3
Prosecutorial Discretion: Certain Victim, Witnesses and Plaintiffs http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/discretion-victims-witnesses-plaintiffs/
USCIS, U Visa Certification Resource Guide (February 28, 2022) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u_visa_law_enforcement_resource_guide
USCIS, T Visa Certification Resource Guide (October 20, 2021)
DHS: U and T Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/dhs-updated-u-certification-resource-guide-2015
USCIS U Visa Certification Fact Sheet Q&A https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/imm-relief-victims-trafficking-and-other/
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Continued Presence Resource Guide (July 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/continued-presence-resource-guide-2021
USCIS: U Visa Demographics: U Visa Report (March 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uscis-u-visa-demographics/
USCIS U Visa Report: U Visa Filing Trends (April 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-filing-trends
USCIS: Trends in U Visa Law Enforcement Certifications, Qualifying Crimes and Evidence of Helpfulness (July 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u_visa_lea-certs-report
USCIS U Visa Report Technical Appendix (July 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/technical_appendix_for_u_visa_report
USCIS Policy Manual Chapter 5—Bona Fide Determination Process (Jun 14, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/chapter-5-bona-fide-determination-process-_-uscis
USCIS Policy Manual Chapter 6—U visa Waiting List (June 14, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-waiting-list
USCIS Policy Manual Chapter 5 –Bona Fide Determination Process USCIS (June 14, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/chapter-5-bona-fide-determination-process-_-uscis
USCIS Bona Fide Determination Process Flowchart (June 14, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-bona-fide-flowchart
USCIS Policy Manual Updates: T visa Status for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons (October 20, 2022) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uscis-policy-manual-t-visa-update-10-20-21
Blue Campaign: What You Can Do- Recognizing and Supporting Trafficking Victims in the Courtroom http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/bc-pamphlet-judicial-english

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U Visa and T Visa Legislative History

Legislative History of VAWA (94,00,05), T and U Visas, Battered Spouse Waiver, and VAWA Confidentiality (January 5, 2023) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/vawa-t-u-leg-history

Immigration Options for Immigrant Survivors – Manual Chapters

Chapter 3.3 VAWA Self-Petition (2013) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch3-3-selfpetitionprep/
Good Faith Marriage in VAWA Self-Petitioning Cases (December 29, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/good-faith-marriage-vawa/ * (31)
Chapter 10 U-Visas: Victims of Criminal Activity (2013) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch10-u-visas/
Human Trafficking and the T-Visa http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch11-human-trafficking-and-t-visa/
Chapter 08: Immigration Relief for Child Sexual Assault Survivors http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch8-imm-relief-child-sexual-assault-survivors/
Chapter 13: When Foreign Students or Their Family Members Are Sexually Assaulted: Immigration Implications of the Student and Exchange Visitor System http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch13-foreign-students-sexually-assaulted/

U and T Visas

U visa Certification and T Visa Declaration Toolkit for Law Enforcement Agencies and Prosecutors (August 30, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-t-visa-toolkit-law-enforcement-prosecutor
U-Visa Checklist: “Helpfulness” https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-helpfulness-checklist
U Visa Certification and T Visa Declaration Toolkit for Federal, State and Local Judges, Commissioners, Magistrates and Other Judicial Officers (June 17, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/judges-u-and-t-certification-toolkit-2
Child Protective Services Agency Toolkit: U Visa Certification, T Visa Declaration, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Violence Against Women Act Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrant Children (December 31, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/cps-toolkit/*
U Visa Certification and T Visa Declaration Toolkit for Adult Protective Services (APS) (October 19, 2023) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/aps-u-visa-toolkit/
Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for ‘‘T’’ Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa Final Rule April 30, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/2024-t-visa-final-rule/
T Visa Regulations: 2002, 2016 & 2024 – Regulations, Comparison, and Regulatory History (June 24, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-regs-reg-history/
Model U Visa Certification Policy For Prosecutor’s Offices -Hennepin County Attorney’s Office U Visas and T Visas Certification Policy (March 7, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u_t-visa-_cert-policy-hennepin-county/
T visa Process Timeline with Background Checks https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-timeline
T visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide (October 20, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-law-enforcement-resource-guide
Sample Questions for Identifying a Trafficked/Enslaved Person https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/questions-for-identifying-trafficked-or-enslaved-persons
U Visa Timeline with Background Checks https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-timeline
U visa Quick Reference Guide for Judges (October 14, 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-quick-reference-guide-for-judges
U Visa Flow Chart http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisaflowchart/
Collection of U Visa News Articles http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/IMM-Tool_UVisaNewsArticles-10-1-13.pdf
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2018 Resolution on Education and Awareness of U and T Visa Certifications http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/iacp-support-for-education-and-awareness-on-u-visa-certifications-and-t-visa-declarations/
Model Policy for Interactions with Immigrant Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking & Signing of U Visa Certifications and T Visa Declarations http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/proposed-model-u-visa-policy/
Discussion Paper for Model Policy for Working with Immigrant Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking & Signing of U Visa Certifications and T Visa Declarations http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/discussion-paper-model-policy-u-visa-certification-may-2016/
Tip Sheet for Courts Developing U Visa Certification Protocols http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/wp-content/uploads/Tips-for-Courts-U-Visa-Cert-Protocols-Policies.pdf
U Visa Certifications: Range of Potential Certifiers http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-range-of-potential-fcertifiers
U Visa Certification Process Flowchart (August 30, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-cert-process-flowchart
U Visa Timeline with Background Checks http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-timeline/
U-Visa Family Member Sponsors http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-family-member
T Visa Application Flowchart (June 12, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-application-flowchart/
T-Visa Flow Chart http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-application-flowchart
T Visa Timeline with Background Checks http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-timeline/
T Visa Regulations, Policies, and Government Publications (December 29, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-regs-policies
T-Visa Family Member Sponsors http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-family-member
DHS Policy Answers to Law Enforcement Reasons for Not Certifying http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/dhs-answers-to-reasons-for-not-certifying
U Visa News Articles https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-news-articles/
U-Visa Legal Advocacy: Overview of Effective Policies and Practices http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-collaboration-policy-brief/
Press Release on the U Visa – Template http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/imm-qref-policedeptstraining
U Visa Resource List https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/resource-list-with-logo/

Forms

U-Visa Forms

DHS: Form I-918 for U visa Applicant https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/form-i-918
DHS: Form I-918, Supplement A for Qualifying Family Member, https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-qualifying-family-member-form-december2021
DHS: Instructions for I-918 and Supplement A, https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-and-qualifying-family-supplement-instructions
DHS: Form I-918, Supplement B, for U visa Certification http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/i918-supb-certification
DHS: Instructions for Form I-918, Supplement B, for U visa Certification http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/instructions-i1918-unonimm-status

T-Visa Forms

DHS: Form I-914, https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/form-i-914
DHS: Instructions for Form I-914, https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/i-914-instructions
DHS: Form I-914, Supplement B for T visa Endorsement http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/i-914-supplement-b-instructions
DHS: Instructions for Form I-914, Supplement B http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/i-916-supplement-b-instructions

Webinars

U Visa: Overview of Certification Presented by Investigator Michael LaRiviere, Salem Police Department. In order to reach this module you will need to sign-in for free access to course https://pbtraining.org/course/u-visa-overview-of-certification/
October 14, 2022: “What Judges, Attorneys, and Prosecutors Need to Know About How VAWA Confidentiality Impacts Discovery in Cases Involving Immigrant Survivors: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/vawa-confidentiality-webinar-oct-22
August 24, 2021: “Legal Rights of Immigrant Survivors: Immigration Relief, Public Benefits, and Protection Orders” (Webinar) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/otsego-part-ii-21
February 20, 2020: “The U Visa As a Crime-Fighting Tool: How Certification Improves Domestic and Sexual Violence Investigations and Prosecutions” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/u-visa-202
January 30, 2020: “Best Practices and Tools That Build the Capacity of Adult Protective Services to Serve Immigrant Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/webinar-aps
November 19, 2019: In Accordance with the Law: When Your Victim Witness Speaks Limited English https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/in-accordance-lep-nov19
October 31, 2017: “VAWA Confidentiality and Protections for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/oct2017vawaconfidentialitywebinar
February 18, 2015: “Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) Immigrant Crime Visas: Law Enforcement’s Tool to Strengthen Community Policing” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/february-18-2015-crime-visas-bwjp
April 10, 2015: “Assessing Helpfulness for Immigrant Crime Victims Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP)” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/april-10-2015-assessing-helpfulness-bwjp
December 1, 2014: “Expert Advice for Judges: How to Handle U Visa Certification and T Visa Endorsement Requests” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/december-1-2014-expert-advice-for-judges-webinar
March 19, 2014: “Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Story Writing Intervention” (Webinar) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/trauma-informed-interviews-story-writing/
February 24, 2014: “Helping Survivors in Crisis: Hands On Training for Advocates and Attorneys on Trauma-Informed Work with Immigrant Women Who Ate Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (Video) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/hands-on-trauma-crisis-training/
February 20, 2014: “Obtaining U Visa Certification from Judges in Protection Order, Family, Criminal, and Other State Court Proceedings” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/webinar-u-visa-certification-by-state-court-judges
September 26, 2013: “Roll Call Videos for Law Enforcement on U Visa Certification and T Visa Endorsement” http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/dhs-roll-call-videos
February 15, 2013: “Lessons Learned from Law Enforcement: How Collaborations That Result in U visa Certifications Support Safer Communities” https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/lessons-learned-from-le-webinar
October 5, 2011: “Law Enforcement and Advocates Partnering to Better Serve Immigrant Crime Victims” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/webinar-law-enforcement-collaboration
July 18, 2011: “Law Enforcement Use of the U Visa” (Podcast) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/uvisa-podcast-bja
February 10, 2011: “An Introduction to Law Enforcement Use of the U-Visa” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/uvisa-intro-webinar-bja
DHS U and T Visa Training Videos https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/dhs-roll-call-videos
Understanding Helpfulness: for the U Visa Certification and the Ongoing Assistance Requirement https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/webinar-helpfulness-and-ongoing-cooperation-slides

U Visa as a Crime-Fighting Tool

Stories From the Field: The Crime Fighting Effectiveness of the U Visa (August 23, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-crime-fighting-stories
The Importance of the U visa as a Crime-Fighting Tool for Law Enforcement Officials – Views from Around the Country http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-crime-fighting-tool
Overcoming Fear and Building Trust With Immigrant Communities and Crime Victims (Police Chief Magazine April 2018) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/policechief_april-2018_building-trust-immigrant-victims/
Protecting Our Communities and Officer Safety http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/may_june_sheriff
Transforming Lives Study Provides Evidence-Based Support for The Effectiveness of the VAWA and U Visa Programs and the DHS U Visa Bona Fide Policy That Provides Earlier Access Deferred Action and Work Authorization To Applicants (June 14, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/transforming-lives-study-21
Promoting Access to Justice for Immigrant Crime Victims and Children: Findings of a National Judicial Survey and Recommendations http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/trends-in-state-courts-survey-findings/
Tip Sheet for Courts Developing U Visa Certification Protocols https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/tips-for-courts-u-visa-cert-protocols
The U visa: An Important Tool for Community Policing https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-community-policing-tool
How Law Enforcement is Using the U visa: Practice Brief https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/imm-qref-uvisapracticebrief-10-11
U Visa Legal Advocacy: Overview of Effective Policies and Practices https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-collaboration-policy-brief
COPS Dispatch Article: The U visa: An important tool for Community Policing http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-community-policing-tool/
Transforming Lives Study Provides Evidence-Based Support for The Effectiveness of the VAWA and U Visa Programs and the DHS U Visa Bona Fide Policy That Provides Earlier Access Deferred Action and Work Authorization To Applicants (June 14, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/transforming-lives-study-21
Promoting Access to Justice for Immigrant Crime Victims and Children: Findings of a National Judicial Survey and Recommendations http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/trends-in-state-courts-survey-findings

State U and T Visa Certification Laws

State U Visa Certification Laws http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/state-u-visa-certification-laws/
U and T Visa Certifications and Certification Reporting Requirements in California: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ca-u-cert-reporting
Bench Card: U and T Visa Certification Reporting Requirements in California: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ca-bench-card-u-t-reporting

Webinars

VAWA Confidentiality Statutes, Legislative History and Implementing Policy (2.23.17) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/vawa-confidentiality-statutes-leg-history/
Three Prongs of VAWA Confidentiality http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/conf-vawa-bro-3prongsofconfidentiality/
Chapter 3 of Empowering Survivors: VAWA Confidentiality, History, Purpose, DHS Implementation, and Violations of VAWA Confidentiality Protections http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch3-vawa-confidentiality-history-purpose/
Utilizing VAWA Confidentiality Protections in Family Court Proceedings (69-84)** in Winning Custody Cases for Immigrant Survivors: The Clash of Laws, Cultures, Custody and Parental Rights https://www.civicresearchinstitute.com/online/article_abstract.php?pid=6&iid=1269&aid=8306; and https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/BTB24-PreCon1E-11.pdf
Quick Reference: VAWA Confidentiality Protections: Quoting Statutes, Regulations and DHS Policies (June 12, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/federal-law-quotes-vawa-confidentiality-protections
Quick Reference Guide for Judges: VAWA Confidentiality & Discovery Related Case Law http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/judges-vawa-confidentiality-cases-and-discovery/
Quick reference: VAWA Confidentiality Protections – Quoting Statutes Regulations and Department of Homeland Security Policies http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/federal-law-quotes-vawa-confidentiality-protections_3-29-19/
VAWA Confidentiality Protections, Courthouse Enforcement, and Sensitive Locations Policies at a Glance (December 27, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/victims-and-protected-locations-policies-at-a-glance

VAWA Confidentiality, Discovery, and Courthouse Enforcement – Webinars

Protections for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Under the Violence Against Women Act Confidentiality Protections (October 22, 2018) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/casa-webinars-october-15-22 ** (758)
Impact of DHS Enforcement Priorities on Courts: VAWA Confidentiality and Enforcement (August 21, 2018) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/jffnm2018 * (325)
NCJFCJ VAWA Confidentiality and Protections for Immigrant Victims of Domestic (October 31, 2017) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/oct2017vawaconfidentialitywebinar ** (427)
VAWA Confidentiality Webinar (February 9, 2015) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/vawa-confidentiality-webinar/ * (228)
VAWA Confidentiality: Understanding the Three Safeguards and Limited Discovery Exceptions When Advocating for Survivors in Family and Criminal State Courts (February 5, 2015) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/vawa-confidentiality-webinar * (228)
VAWA Confidentiality and Protections for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence (October 31, 2017) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/vawa-confidentiality-materials-tools/ * (226)

Stalking

SPARC Stalking and Technology Infographic https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/stalking-tech-infographic
IP Address information https://www.arin.net/
Bin Database: Credit Card Bin Checker https://www.arin.net/
Tech Safety App https://nnedv.org/latest_update/tech-safety-app/
Judicial Officer Bench Card: Stalking https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/resources-on-stalking-for-judges
SPARC Judicial Officer Guide: Responding to Stalking https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/sparc-judicial-guide-for-stalking
SPARC offers more useful information on stalking on their Resources Page https://www.stalkingawareness.org/resources/

Electronic Evidence

Links to YouTube Trainings

Tapping into Offender Accountability: Using Wiretapping in State- Level Human Trafficking Cases https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy0F_mM5CQg
Digital Evidence Part I: The Investigation Stage – Recognition, Collection, Search https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQhoy6wjMio
#GUILTY: Identifying, Preserving, and Presenting Digital Evidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOVmnIpbnHA
Intimate Partner Violence Foundations: Technology Changes, Abuse Doesn’t https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKUJmaKhvno
Safeguarding Victim Privacy in a Digital World Ethical Considerations for Prosecutors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Csm9CoKyg

Electronic Evidence Materials

NCJFCJ – How to Gather Technology Abuse Evidence for Court https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/gather-tech-abuse-evidence
Searching and Seizing Computers and Obtaining Electronic Evidence in Criminal Investigations https://www.justice.gov/file/442111/download
Obtaining and Admitting Electronic Evidence https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao/legacy/2011/11/30/usab5906.pdf

Best Practices and Collaborations

Community Policing Breaking Down Barriers – Michael LaRiviere (Sheriff & Deputy Magazine) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/sheriff-deputy-lariviere
Building Trusting Relationships: A Guide for Advocates/Attorneys Working with Law Enforcement on U-Visa Certification Issues https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/advocate-law-enforcement-guide
U-Visa Legal Advocacy: Overview of Effective Policies and Practices (December 12, 2013) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-collaboration-policy-brief
Barriers and Successes in U Visas for Immigrant Victims: The Experiences of Legal Assistance for Victims Grantees (July 23, 2014) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/barriers-successes-uvisas
Chapter 01.2: Collaboration, Confidentiality, and Expanding Advocacy https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch1-2-collaboration-confidentiality
Sexual Assault Response Team: SART Handbook https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ok-oag-vsunit_sarthandbook_july2009
Immigrant and Limited English Proficient Victims’ Access to the Criminal Justice System: The Importance of Collaboration https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/importance-of-collaboration-victims
Best Practices for Advocacy-Initiated Response (AIR) working with Immigrant Crime Victims https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/immadvocacyinitiatedresponse
Training Bulletin: Improving Crime Fighting Outcomes in Cases of Immigrant Victims https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/improving-crime-fighting-outcomes-in-cases-of-immigrant-victims-11-17-20-1
Overcoming Fear and Building Trust With Immigrant Communities and Crime Victims (Police Chief Magazine April 2018) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/policechief_april-2018_building-trust-immigrant-victims

Blueprint Safety Materials

Blueprint for Safety Guide https://praxisinternational.org/a-guide-to-becoming-a-blueprint-community-an-interagency-response-to-battering-and-domestic-violence-crimes/
Blueprint for Safety Website https://praxisinternational.org/blueprint-for-safety/
Blueprint for Safety Brochure https://praxisinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/BPGenBrochure11x17Nov2013Bleed.pdf
Blueprint for Safety Supplemental Materials https://praxisinternational.org/blueprint-for-safety/blueprint-materials/

Language Access

DOJ, Law Enforcement Letter Regarding Language Access Obligations (December 12, 2023) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/2023-12-11-lelai-ltr-2-leas/
Immigrant and LEP Victims’ Access to the Criminal Justice System https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/importance-of-collaboration-victims
Serving Limited English Proficient Immigrant Victims** https://www.civicresearchinstitute.com/online/article.php?pid=6&iid=1269
Language Access Materials for Police and Prosecutors (January 16, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/le-prosecutor-training-materials/
Language Access Training Materials (April 2, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/language-access/
Questions to Use for Crime Scene Identification of LEP http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/crime-scene-identification-of-lep-persons
Why Using an Interpreter is Beneficial to Law Enforcement http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/law-enforcement-benefits-of-qualified-interpreters
Dos and Don’ts to Help Identify LEP Persons http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/dos-and-donts-to-identify-lep-persons
Language Identification Card – DeKalb County Magistrate Court’s Compliance Project, Caminar Latino, Men Stopping Violence, Raksha, Inc, Tapestri, Inc, and Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/language-id-card-19010116-raksha-pdf
Laws Governing Law Enforcement Agency Provision of Language Assistance to LEP Persons http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/laws-governing-langauge-access
Important Tips to Remember When Using an Interpreter http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/interpretation-tips
NAJIT Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/najitcodeofethicsfinal
U.S. Department of Justice Sample Limited English Proficiency Guidelines from Office of Justice Programs “Center City Police Department” http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/sample-limited-english-proficiency-guidelines-from-the-office-of-justice-programs
Translation Requirements for Vital Documents, Intake, and Notice of LEP Assistance for DOJ and HHS Grantees serving Immigrant Crime Victims http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/translation-vital-docs
Police Executive Research Forum – Community Policing in Immigrant Neighborhoods: Stories of Success https://www.policeforum.org/assets/CommunityPolicingImmigrantNeighborhoods.pdf
Steps for Obtaining Interpreters http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/step-for-obtaining-interpreters
Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters- Washington State Interpreters Program http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/lang-lawpol-interpconductcode1986/
Tips for Working Effectively with Telephone Interpreters http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/imm-qref-workingwithtelephoneinterp
Are you Compliant with Title VI Self-Assessment Tool http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/self-assessment-tool-title-vi
DOJ, Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons (June 18, 2002) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/fed-reg-67-41455-june-18-2002-doj-final-guidance/
Federal Register: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency: Executive Order 13166 (August 11, 2000) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/lang-gov-exor1316608-11-00
DOJ: Executive Order 13166 Limited English Proficiency Resource Document: Tips and Tools from the Field http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/lang-gov-dojtips09-21-04
Language Access Assessment and Planning Tool for Federally Conducted and Federally Assisted Programs http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/language-assessmet-tool/
DOJ Letter to State Chief Justices and State Court Administrators on Access for Limited English Proficient Persons to State Court Proceedings http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/lang-access-doj-courts-letter
DOJ Letter to State Chief Justices and State Court Administrators on Access for Limited English Proficient Persons to State Court Proceedings http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/lang-access-doj-courts-letter
Judicial Bench Card for Court Interpretation http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ncsc-bench-card-language-access
Serving Limited English Proficient Immigrant Victims (11-24)** in Winning Custody Cases for Immigrant Survivors: The Clash of Laws, Cultures, Custody and Parental Rights https://www.civicresearchinstitute.com/online/article_abstract.php?pid=6&iid=1269&aid=8306; and https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/BTB24-PreCon1E-11.pdf
DHS: I Speak … Indigenous Language Identification Poster (December 9, 2016) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/habla-poster_12-9-16/
U.S. Census, Language Identification Flash Card – I Speak Card (2004) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ispeakcards2004/
Language Identification Card “I speak…” (May 2019) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/language-id-card-raksha/
DOJ Procurement Services Translation and Interpretation TIPS: Before You Hire -Ask Yourself : What Are My Project’s Language Needs? (May 6, 2014) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/tips_before_you_hire/
DOJ Procurement Services Translation and Interpretation TIPS: For Working with Telephone Interpreters (April 28, 2014) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/tips_telephone_interpreters/
DOJ Procurement Services Translation and Interpretation TIPS: What Does It Mean to be a Certified Linguist? (May 6, 2014) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/tips_trust_me_im_certified/

Language Access Resources for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors from Technical Assistance Providers

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence: Language Access https://www.api-gbv.org/culturally-specific-advocacy/language-access/
VERA Institute of Justice: Translating Justice Program https://www.vera.org/projects/translating-justice
National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project, American University, Washington College of Law: http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/topic/language-access/
National Center for State Courts: Language Access Programs by State https://www.ncsc.org/Services-and-Experts/Areas-of-expertise/Language-access/Resources-for-Program-Managers/LAP-Map/Map.aspx
Casa de Esperanza https://nationallatinonetwork.org/en/knowledge-base/language-access/language-access-home/
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT): Interpreter and Translator Database https://najit.org/resources/find-interpreter/
Limited English Proficiency (A Federal Interagency Website): Department of Justice guidance and technical assistance for language access regulations https://www.lep.gov/
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center: Language Access http://www.niwrc.org/resources/state-alaska-task-force-crime-human-trafficking-promoting-prostitution-and-sex-trafficking
National Congress of American Indians: Language Access http://www.ncai.org/policy-issues/community-and-culture/language
Center for Court Innovations: Tribal Access to Justice Innovation http://www.tribaljustice.org/

Collaboration

Immigrant and LEP Victims’ Access to the Criminal Justice System http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/importance-of-collaboration-victims
U Visa Legal Advocacy: Overview of Effective Policies and Practices http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/uvisa-collaboration-policy-brief
Building Trusting Relationships: A Guide for Advocates/Attorneys Working with Law Enforcement (LE) on U-Visa Certification Issues (Flow Chart) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/advocate-law-enforcement-guide
Immigration Status: Work Authorization, Public Benefits, and Ability to Sponsor Children (December 30, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/fam-chart-immstatus

VAWA Self-Petition

VAWA Self-Petitioning Introduction and Flow Charts http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/vawa-self-petitioning-intro-and-flow-charts-pdf/
VAWA Self-Petitioning Flow Chart for Child Applicants http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/vawa-flow-chart-child/
Flowchart: VAWA Self-Petitioning Eligibility for Elder Abuse Survivors https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/imm-chart-vawaselfpetitionelders
Flowchart: VAWA Self-Petitioning Eligibility for Adults https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/vawa-self-petitioner-flow-chart-for-adults
Battering or Extreme Cruelty: Drawing Examples from Civil Protection Order and Family Law Cases https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/extreme-cruelty-examples-protection-order-2
VAWA Self-Petition: Protections for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse by Abusive Spouses and Parents (Webinar – April 22, 2020, with Materials and Q & A Answers) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/2020-vawa-self-petition-webinar
VAWA Self-Petition Timeline with Background Checks (June 12, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/vawa-timeline

Public Benefits for Systems-Based and Other Victim Advocates

All State Public Benefits Charts and Interactive Public Benefits Map (2022) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/all-state-public-benefits-charts
Public Benefits Flow Charts: VAWA Self-Petition and Cancellation, U visas, T visas, and SIJS https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/public-benefits-flow-charts
Interactive State Benefits Map http://map.niwap.org/
Guide to the Public Benefits Map http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/guide-to-public-benefits-map/
Programs Open to Immigrant Victims and All Immigrants Without Regard to Immigration Status https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/programs-open-to-all-immigrants
Coverage for Forensic Costs for Immigrant Crime Victims (August 2, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/niwap-forensic-exam-coverage/
Health Care Options for Immigrant Survivors Factsheet (June 20, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/health-care-options-immigrant-survivors-factsheet/
Privacy Protections for Immigrants Applying for Public Benefits https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/limits-on-required-government-agency-reporting#
Family Court Bench Card on Immigrant Crime Victim Access to Public Benefits and Services https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/pb-bchcrd-pubbenefits
Flow Chart Public Charge Test and Housing Benefits https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/flow-chart-public-charge-test-housing-benefits-2
Anti-Discrimination Provisions that Apply to Programs Receiving Federal Funding Serving Victims of Violence Against Women Crimes https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/pb-tool-antidiscrimlaws
State-Funded Public Benefits Comparison Chart (April 12, 2021) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/state-benefits-comparison-chart
State by State Demographics http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/demographics/
Guide to the Public Benefits Map https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/guide-to-the-public-benefits-map
Bench Card on Trafficking Victim Benefits Eligibility Process https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/t-visa-benefits-eligiblity
Bench Card on U Visa Victim Eligibility Process https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/u-visa-benefits-benchcard
Flow Chart Public Charge Test and Housing benefits https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/flow-chart-public-charge-test-housing-benefits-2
Infographic Public Charge and Housing Benefits https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/final-infographic-public-charge-and-housing-3
Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility and Immigrant Crime Victims https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility-and-immigrant-crime-victims

Dynamics of Domestic Violence Experienced by Immigrant Survivors

Immigrant Power and Control Wheel – Forms of Domestic Violence That Immigrant Women Experience (April 13,1996) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/power-control-wheel-eng-niwap
CH 01.1 Dynamics of Domestic Violence Experienced by Immigrant Victims (July 31, 2013) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/cult-man-ch1-1-dynamicsdomesticviolence2016
CH 1 Dynamics of Sexual Assault and the Implications for Immigrant Women (March 31, 2014) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/ch1-dynamics-sexual-assault-implications
Expert Testimony Concerning Battering (September, 2000) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/testimony-battering-experienced-imm-victims

Trauma Informed Work with Immigrant Survivors

Trauma Informed Structured Interview Questionnaires for Immigrant Cases (SIQI) (July 23, 2024) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/siqi-trauma-informed-tool/
(October 30, 2013): “Trauma-Informed Care: Promoting Healing While Strengthening Survivors’ Immigration Cases” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/trauma-informed-care
(March 19, 2014): “Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Story Writing Intervention” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/trauma-informed-interviews-story-writing
(February 24, 2014): “Helping Survivors in Crisis: Hands on Training for Advocates and Attorneys on Trauma-Informed Work with Immigrant Women Who Are Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault” (Webinar) http://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/hands-on-trauma-crisis-training
Coercive Control in Families, the Impact on Children and Extreme Cruelty (October 16, 2020) https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/coercive-control-extreme-cruelty/ + (1252)