July 15 -- The USCIS announced that it has hit the annual quota of 10,000 "U" visas for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010.   The U visa was created in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, legislation intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes while, at the same time, offering protection to victims of such crimes. U visas are set aside for victims who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the criminal activity and are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.  The U visa is available even to persons currently in the U.S. without any immigration status, and can include family members.  U visa holders can eventually apply for permanent residence.

Since the 10,000 annual limit has been reached, the USCIS will continue to accept new petitions for U visas and will place conditionally approved petitioners on a waiting list. Conditionally approved petitioners and qualifying family members will be able to legally remain in the United States and request work authorization. This protection also applies to conditionally approved petitioners or any qualifying family members who are in removal proceedings or have a final order of removal.