USCIS Strengthens T Nonimmigrant Visa Program and Protections for Trafficking Victims

The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have published a final rule to enhance the T visa program, which assists victims of human trafficking. This rule aims to improve the application process’s integrity and effectiveness, ensuring protections for victims and facilitating their access to benefits. Key updates include clearer definitions of terms like “serious harm” and streamlined evidentiary requirements to reduce the need for additional evidence. This final rule, building on an interim rule from 2016 and public feedback, strengthens law enforcement’s ability to address trafficking while maintaining robust fraud prevention measures.