Milwaukee Police Report Increase in U Visa Applications by Undocumented Crime Victims

Key Takeaways

• Milwaukee police report rising U visa applications from undocumented crime victims seeking legal protection.
• U visa annual cap is 10,000; FY 2024 cap reached July 22, 2024, causing waiting lists.
• Milwaukee Sheriff’s updated 2025 manual includes clear U visa certification policies to aid victims.

Milwaukee police have recently noticed a steady rise in U visa applications from undocumented crime victims. This trend reflects a broader national pattern, as more people learn about the protections available to those who have suffered from crimes and are willing to help law enforcement. The increase in applications is not just a number—it represents real people in Milwaukee who are seeking safety, legal status, and a chance to rebuild their lives after trauma.

What’s Happening in Milwaukee?

In recent months, Milwaukee police and local immigrant advocacy groups have reported that more undocumented crime victims are applying for U visas. While there are no official city-specific statistics released in the last week, the rise is clear to those working directly with these communities. This increase matches what’s happening across the United States 🇺🇸, where more victims are coming forward thanks to better outreach and education about their rights.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office has also updated its 2025 Law Enforcement Policy Manual to include clear instructions about the U visa and T visa application processes. This shows that local law enforcement is aware of the importance of these visas and is trying to support crime victims who may be afraid to speak up.

Why Are U Visa Applications Increasing?

There are several reasons for the rise in U visa applications among undocumented crime victims in Milwaukee:

• Greater Awareness: Advocacy groups and lawyers are working hard to inform people about the U visa and how it can help them.
• Community Trust: When police and advocacy groups work together, undocumented people feel safer reporting crimes.
• Policy Changes: The Biden administration has shifted its focus away from deporting people who are not near the border, which makes some undocumented victims less afraid to come forward.

What Is a U Visa?

A U visa is a special type of visa for people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status and have been victims of certain crimes. To qualify, the person must have suffered mental or physical harm and must be willing to help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime. The U visa was created in 2000 to protect victims and encourage them to work with police without fear of deportation.

Key facts about the U visa:

• Annual Cap: Only 10,000 principal U visas are given out each year.
• FY 2024 Cap: The cap for fiscal year 2024 was reached on July 22, 2024.
• Waiting List: If you apply after the cap is reached, you are put on a waiting list.
• Work Authorization: Many applicants can get permission to work while waiting for their visa.

How Do U Visa Applications Work?

Applying for a U visa is a multi-step process. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Report the Crime: The undocumented crime victim must report the crime to the police or another law enforcement agency and help with the investigation or prosecution.
2. Get Certification: The victim must get a special certification from law enforcement (Form I-918, Supplement B) that confirms they have been helpful.
3. File the Main Application: The victim files Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the certification and other documents.
4. Apply for Work Authorization: It’s recommended to also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization at the same time, so the applicant can work legally while waiting.
5. Wait for Processing: USCIS reviews the application. If the yearly cap is already reached, the applicant is placed on a waiting list and may qualify for a temporary work permit.
6. Receive a Decision: If approved, the applicant gets U nonimmigrant status and, if requested, a work permit.

Important: There is no fee for the first work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) for U visa petitioners who qualify for the “bona fide determination” process.

The Role of Milwaukee Police and Local Law Enforcement

Milwaukee police and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office play a key role in the U visa process. They are responsible for:

• Certifying Applications: Police must sign the certification form that proves the victim has helped with the investigation.
• Informing Victims: The Sheriff’s Office policy manual now requires officers to tell crime victims about the U visa and T visa options.
• Building Trust: By supporting U visa applications, police can build better relationships with immigrant communities, making it easier to solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.

Challenges and Delays

While the U visa offers hope, there are real challenges:

• Long Wait Times: Because only 10,000 U visas are given out each year, many people wait years before their application is approved.
• Backlog: The number of people applying is much higher than the number of visas available, creating a large backlog.
• Legal Limbo: While waiting, some applicants may feel stuck, unsure if or when they will get legal status.

Still, those who apply and qualify can often get a work permit while waiting, which helps them support themselves and their families.

The Impact on Undocumented Crime Victims

For undocumented crime victims, the U visa can be life-changing. It offers:

• Protection from Deportation: Applicants are protected from being removed from the United States 🇺🇸 while their case is pending.
• Work Authorization: Many can work legally, which helps them become more independent.
• Path to Legal Status: After three years with a U visa, holders may apply for a green card (permanent residency).

This protection encourages more people to report crimes, which helps everyone in the community.

The Role of Advocacy Groups and Attorneys

Groups like Voces de la Frontera in Milwaukee are on the front lines, helping undocumented crime victims understand their rights and complete U visa applications. Local immigration attorneys, such as Marc Christopher of Christopher & De León Law Office, also play a vital role by guiding clients through the complex process and keeping up with policy changes.

These organizations and individuals:

• Provide Legal Help: They help victims gather documents, fill out forms, and prepare for interviews.
• Offer Emotional Support: Many victims are scared or traumatized, so having someone to guide them is important.
• Educate the Community: Outreach events and workshops help spread the word about the U visa and other protections.

Law Enforcement and Immigration Enforcement

Wisconsin has a mixed record when it comes to working with federal immigration authorities. Eight county sheriffs in the state have signed 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which means they help enforce immigration laws. However, under President Biden, there has been less focus on deporting people who are not near the border, which may make some undocumented crime victims feel safer coming forward.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office stands out for its clear policies supporting U visa applicants, showing a commitment to helping victims rather than focusing only on immigration enforcement.

Policy Background and Historical Context

The U visa was created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Its main goal is to protect victims of serious crimes—like domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking—who are willing to help police. Over the years, the program has become an important tool for both law enforcement and immigrant communities.

In Wisconsin, the relationship between local police and ICE has changed over time. Some counties have worked closely with ICE, while others have focused more on protecting victims and building trust with immigrants. Recent changes at the federal level have shifted the focus away from deporting non-criminal immigrants, especially those who are victims of crime.

What Does the Future Hold?

Looking ahead, the U visa program is expected to remain very popular, with more people applying than there are visas available. This means long wait times will likely continue. Advocacy groups are pushing for changes to speed up the process and increase the number of visas, but any changes will depend on future decisions by Congress and the White House.

Policy shifts at the federal or state level could also affect how Milwaukee police and other local agencies handle U visa applications. For now, the trend in Milwaukee is clear: more undocumented crime victims are seeking help, and local police and advocacy groups are working to support them.

Key Takeaways for Undocumented Crime Victims in Milwaukee

• If you are a victim of a serious crime, you may qualify for a U visa.
• You must report the crime and help law enforcement.
• Ask the police or sheriff’s office about the U visa certification process.
• Work with a trusted advocacy group or immigration attorney to complete your application.
• You may be able to work legally while your application is pending.
• Be prepared for a long wait, but know that you have rights and support.

Where to Get Help and More Information

If you or someone you know is an undocumented crime victim in Milwaukee, here are some resources:

• USCIS U Visa Information: USCIS Victims of Trafficking and Other Crimes
• Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status: USCIS Form I-918
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: USCIS Form I-765
• Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office: Milwaukee County Sheriff
• Voces de la Frontera: Voces de la Frontera

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a U visa?
Processing times can be several years because of the annual cap and backlog.

Can I work while waiting for my U visa?
Yes, if you file Form I-765 and qualify for a bona fide determination, you can get a work permit.

What happens if the yearly cap is reached before I apply?
You will be placed on a waiting list, but you may still get a work permit while you wait.

Who can help me with my application?
Local advocacy groups and immigration attorneys can help you understand the process and fill out the forms.

Summary Table: U Visa at a Glance

Final Thoughts

The rise in U visa applications among undocumented crime victims in Milwaukee is a sign of growing trust and awareness. Milwaukee police and the Sheriff’s Office are playing a key role by supporting victims and helping them access legal protections. Advocacy groups and attorneys are making sure victims know their rights and have the help they need.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the U visa remains a vital lifeline for undocumented crime victims, but the process is not easy. Long waits and complex paperwork can be discouraging, but with the right support, many victims are finding hope and a path to safety.

For more detailed information about U visas and how to apply, visit the official USCIS page for victims of trafficking and other crimes. If you are a victim or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—there are people and organizations ready to stand with you.

Learn Today

U visa → A special visa for undocumented crime victims who assist law enforcement in investigations and prosecutions.
Annual Cap → The yearly limit of 10,000 principal U visas issued by USCIS nationwide.
Form I-918, Supplement B → A certification from law enforcement that confirms a crime victim’s helpfulness in an investigation.
Employment Authorization Document → A work permit allowing visa applicants to legally work while awaiting their visa decision.
287(g) Agreements → Contracts where local sheriffs collaborate with ICE to enforce immigration laws locally.

This Article in a Nutshell

Undocumented crime victims in Milwaukee increasingly apply for U visas to gain safety and work authorization. Local authorities support applications through updated protocols. Despite long wait times and visa caps, victims find hope, legal status, and community support from police and advocacy groups, fostering trust and protection against deportation.
— By VisaVerge.com