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L'USCIS élargit l'accès à l'autorisation de travail pour les demandeurs de visa T
Angelica Rice • December 6, 2024
Click here to read this article in English
Principaux changements apportés au processus d'obtention du visa T (à compter du 23 octobre 2024)
Les services américains de citoyenneté et d'immigration (USCIS) ont récemment mis à jour leur politique en matière de visas T, qui offrent une protection et un statut juridique aux non-citoyens victimes de graves trafics d'êtres humains. Cette mise à jour, qui entrera en vigueur le 23 octobre 2024, introduit des changements clés qui simplifient le processus de demande et élargissent l'accès aux avantages pour les survivants de la traite. L'une des mises à jour les plus importantes est la nouvelle possibilité pour les demandeurs de visa T de recevoir une autorisation de travail alors que leur demande de visa T est toujours en cours.
Possibilité d'obtenir immédiatement une autorisation de travail
Dans le cadre d'un changement majeur, les demandeurs de visa T peuvent désormais demander et éventuellement recevoir une autorisation de travail avant que leur demande de visa T ne soit approuvée. Grâce à la nouvelle procédure de « bona fide determination », l'USCIS évalue d'emblée l'éligibilité de base. Si une demande est jugée « de bonne foi », le demandeur peut bénéficier d'une action différée et d'un document d'autorisation de travail (EAD), ce qui lui permet de travailler légalement aux États-Unis en attendant que sa demande de visa T soit approuvée. Il s'agit d'une avancée essentielle, car les demandeurs n'ont plus besoin d'attendre l'approbation de leur visa T pour obtenir une autorisation de travail.
Autres points forts de la politique
- La norme de "Toute preuve crédible"
La politique met l'accent sur le fait que les demandeurs peuvent présenter toute forme de preuve crédible à l'appui de leur dossier. Cette approche garantit que les survivants, qui n'ont pas les documents traditionnels, ont une chance équitable de prouver leur situation. - Approche centrée sur la victime et tenant compte des traumatismes
La mise à jour renforce une procédure d'examen tenant compte des traumatismes, en donnant la priorité aux besoins et au bien-être des victimes de la traite et en la rendant plus compatissante. - Flexibilité de l'exigence de présence physique
L'USCIS autorise désormais certaines exceptions à la règle selon laquelle les demandeurs doivent rester aux États-Unis en raison de leur situation de traite, ce qui offre une certaine souplesse aux personnes qui ont brièvement quitté le pays et y sont revenues. - Clarification de l'obligation de déclaration
Bien que les demandeurs soient généralement tenus de signaler leur situation de traite aux forces de l'ordre compétentes en la matière, il existe des exceptions pour les personnes qui ne sont pas en mesure de le faire en raison de leur âge ou d'un traumatisme.
Ce que cela signifie pour les demandeurs
Le visa T offre un statut juridique temporaire à certaines victimes de la traite des êtres humains, leur permettant généralement de rester aux États-Unis pendant une période initiale pouvant aller jusqu'à quatre ans. Grâce à ces mises à jour, le programme de visa T est désormais plus accessible et plus favorable, ce qui permet aux survivants d'accéder plus rapidement à la stabilité et à la sécurité.
Besoin d'aide pour une demande de visa T ?
Si vous ou quelqu'un que vous connaissez est un survivant de la traite et pourrait bénéficier d'un visa T, nous sommes là pour vous aider. Contactez-nous dès aujourd'hui pour obtenir des conseils d'experts sur les demandes de visa T et d'autorisation de travail, et commencez votre voyage vers la protection juridique et la stabilité.
Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.
For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
All people living in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come to your workplace, they must have either (1) a valid search warrant, or (2) consent from your employer to enter non-public areas. Non-public areas could include: staff break rooms, server rooms, mechanical rooms, HR department offices, private meeting rooms, etc. However, ICE can enter public areas of your workplace (lobby, reception area, parking lot etc.) without a warrant or consent from your employer. If you encounter ICE at your place of employment, it is important to stay calm . If an officer stops you, you may ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, walk away calmly. If they say no, stay where you are and do not attempt to leave. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to ICE, answer any questions, or show any documents . If asked about your place of birth, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. If you choose to remain silent, say it out loud: “I choose to remain silent.” If officers ask you to stand in a group based on your immigration status, you do not have to move. Be prepared to assert your rights by downloading, printing, and carrying a "red card" (available at https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas ) that states you do not wish to speak, answer questions, or sign documents. You are not required to show immigration documents . You may refuse to show identity documents that reveal your nationality or citizenship. However, never show false documents or provide false information. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to contact a lawyer immediately . Even if you do not have a lawyer, you can tell immigration officers, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” If you have a lawyer, you have the right to speak to them and, if possible, provide proof of this relationship (such as a signed Form G-28) to an officer. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of pro bono (free) or l ow bono (low-cost) lawyers. You do not have to sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. If you choose to sign any documents, make sure you fully understand what they mean, as signing may waive your rights or lead to deportation. If you believe your rights have been violated , write down what happened. Be sure to include specific details such as names, badge numbers, and exactly what was said and done. Report the violation to a lawyer or an immigrant rights organization as soon as possible. If you or someone you know may be impacted by this executive order, staying informed and understanding your rights is crucial. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our trusted immigration attorneys are available to provide guidance and support during this uncertain time. Please contact us if you need assistance.
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