Many people live in the United States thinking they don’t qualify for anything. Sometimes because someone told them, sometimes because they made mistakes in the past, or simply because they never spoke to an attorney who actually reviewed their full history.

The reality is that many people do have options, but they don’t know how to recognize them.

Here are 5 common signs that could indicate that you too might have a path to permanent residency.

1. You lived in a relationship where you felt controlled, humiliated or afraid

Many people think that there is only abuse if there were beatings. But this is not always the case.

You may qualify if in a relationship:

• Your partner was constantly checking on you
• He took or controlled your money
• It didn’t let you work, study or manage your own decisions
• It isolated you from your friends or family
• Check your phone or watch you
• He yelled at you, humiliated you or made you feel less
• He threatened you with immigration or “calling ICE”
• It made you feel like you couldn’t leave the house or live your normal life

These types of situations can count as abuse, even if you have never called the police, even if you are still married or even if you are already divorced.

In many cases, this can open the door to a VAWA petition, even with a complicated immigration history.

2. You were the victim of a crime in the United States

If you were a victim of a crime such as:

• domestic violence,
• sexual assault,
• child abuse,
• kidnapping,
• extortion,
• or serious attacks,

and you reported the fact or cooperated with law enforcement, you could qualify for a U Visa, which can lead to permanent residency.

Many people don’t know that the crime could have happened years ago and still be relevant today.

3. You were a victim of labor exploitation or trafficking, even if you never called him

Many people are unaware that certain abusive employment situations can qualify as trafficking or exploitation under immigration law.

You may qualify for a T Visa if, for example:

• You worked long hours and weren’t getting paid overtime
• You were paid less than promised or owed wages
• They threatened you with immigration if you complained
• They told you that “you couldn’t leave” until you paid a debt
• They took away documents or withheld them
• They made you work in dangerous conditions
• They constantly changed the rules to keep you trapped
• You were completely dependent on that job to survive

Many times exploitation occurs precisely because the person is an immigrant and the employer takes advantage of fear, need or ignorance.

Even if you never called the police, even if you didn’t know it had a legal name, the law does recognize these situations and can offer protection and a path to legal status.

4. You’ve lived in the U.S. for many years, and your family depends on you

If you have been here for more than 10 years, you are or could be in immigration court proceedings, and you have:

• U.S. citizen or resident children,
• U.S. citizen or resident spouse or parents,

and your deportation would cause extreme and unusual suffering to that family member, you could be eligible for what’s known as the 10-year law.

5. Another lawyer told you that you didn’t qualify… but never reviewed your entire history

This is one of the most common signs.

Many people receive a “no” without anyone to:

• has requested your FOIA,
• review old deportation orders,
• analyzed inputs and outputs,
• or evaluated humanitarian options.

A complete analysis of the migratory record can change everything.

The most important sign: Some of this looks like your story

If while reading you thought “this looks like what I experienced”, that is already a sign that your case is worth reviewing.

Immigration law is complex, but it is not as limited as many people believe.

Don’t give up without a real evaluation

Qualifying for a Green Card is not always obvious at first. Sometimes the path is not direct, but it does exist. To learn about your real options, it’s important to speak with an immigration attorney who evaluates your full story.

At Eagan Immigration, we can evaluate your situation and help you understand your options. Call us at 202-709-6439 for a free case evaluation.

⚖️ This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.