Supporting Immigrant Victims of Trafficking and Violent Crime

Global Cleveland and the City of Cleveland partnered to host a webinar that featured an in-depth discussion on the unique challenges faced by nonimmigrant victims of trafficking and violent crimes, along with the critical role law enforcement and local government officials played in supporting them. It provided insights into the barriers these victims encountered, the resources available to assist them, and the strategies city leaders and law enforcement implemented to enhance community safety and trust.

Read the blog below to explore highlights from the webinar.

At Global Cleveland, we believe in building a welcoming region where every resident—no matter where they were born—feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. As part of that mission, we recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar focused on a vital yet often misunderstood pathways to safety for immigrant victims of crime: the T& U visa.

This dynamic event brought together leading voices from Cleveland’s legal and law enforcement communities to demystify the T & U visa processes and highlight the collective responsibility we all share in creating a just and inclusive city.

The session opened with a reflection on Cleveland’s growth. For the first time in decades, more people are moving into our communities than leaving. Many of these new residents are immigrants—individuals and families who bring strength and resilience to our neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. As our population evolves, so too must our support systems.

Elena Boop, Chief Trial Counsel for the City of Cleveland, moderated the panel and brought deep insight into the city’s commitment to equitable legal access. She framed the conversation as a vital step toward building a justice system that reflects the city’s values of safety, inclusion, and dignity for all.

To open the webinar, Pat Espinosa, an immigration attorney with Sus Abogados Latinos, provided a clear and compelling overview of the T & U visa: what it is, who it’s for, and why it’s vital for immigrant victims of crime.

Created by Congress in 2000, the T & U visa offers immigration relief to individuals who have experienced serious crimes—such as domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault—and who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution. Espinosa emphasized that the T & U visa is a powerful tool for public safety because it encourages victims, especially those without legal status, to come forward without fear of deportation.

“This isn’t an automatic green card,” Espinosa clarified. “It’s a rigorous process that requires cooperation, documentation, and often years of waiting due to the annual cap of 10,000 visas.” Still, for many survivors, it’s a transformative opportunity to move from fear to stability.

Espinosa also spoke to the deeper impact of the T & U visa. Beyond legal relief, it offers survivors dignity and a chance to reclaim control over their lives. “When someone who’s been hurt learns there’s a way to seek justice without fear, it changes everything,” he said.

In his work with Sus Abogados Latinos, Espinosa regularly helps clients navigate this path, often partnering with law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocates. He ended with a call to action: “It takes all of us—community groups, legal professionals, and city leaders—to ensure immigrant victims aren’t left behind. The T & U visa is one way we help restore safety and trust.”

Nate Johnson, an immigration attorney with ASIA Ohio (Asian Services In Action), emphasized the importance of centering immigrant victims’ voices in any conversation about justice and healing. Drawing from his legal work, Johnson reminded attendees that behind every T & U visa case is a person who has survived serious trauma—whether from domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking—and who often faces additional fears tied to their immigration status.

“These aren’t just legal cases,” he said. “These are people navigating trauma, fear, and uncertainty.” Johnson stressed that many survivors come forward not only for their own safety, but to protect others—often risking stigma, retaliation, or deportation in the process.

He also highlighted how emotionally difficult the T & U visa process can be, especially when victims are asked to revisit painful experiences. That’s why trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support is essential. “We can’t just walk clients through a checklist,” he noted. “We have to lead with empathy.”

At ASIA Ohio, Johnson and his team work holistically, providing legal guidance alongside access to counseling, translation, and basic needs. He closed by reminding attendees that true healing starts with being heard: “When we invest in victims’ healing, we invest in community safety.”

One of the most pivotal parts of the U visa process involves the certification from law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies—a step that confirms the victim has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of a crime. During the webinar, Aqueelah Jordan, Prosecutor for the City of Cleveland, provided valuable insight into how her office approaches this responsibility.

Jordan began by explaining that her office frequently serves as the bridge between immigrant victims and the federal immigration system. A T & U visa cannot proceed without the completion of Form I-918B, a certification form signed by a qualifying agency. This form doesn’t grant immigration status, but it confirms that the victim’s cooperation in a criminal case is genuine and significant—a necessary foundation for a successful T & U visa petition.

She highlighted that her team carefully evaluates each certification request, taking into account the nature of the crime—such as domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault—and the victim’s involvement in the case. Importantly, Jordan stressed that their review process is designed to avoid retraumatizing victims and instead aims to affirm their role as contributors to community safety.

As a public servant deeply committed to equitable justice, Jordan acknowledged the very real fear many undocumented individuals face when engaging with the legal system. “Our goal is to support public safety through trust,” she shared. “When victims don’t feel safe reporting crimes, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects all of us.”

Jordan’s office also emphasizes transparency and accessibility. Her team works in collaboration with immigration attorneys, victim advocates, and community organizations to ensure the T & U visa process is understood and approachable. This includes communicating clearly about what documentation is needed, how long the process may take, and what victims can expect throughout.

She closed by reinforcing a crucial distinction: the prosecutor’s role in the T & U visa process is not about immigration enforcement—it’s about supporting justice. By certifying cases for eligible victims, Jordan and her team help turn fear into hope and create a path toward healing, safety, and stability.

Detective Durst, a veteran officer with experience handling violent crime and trafficking cases, offered a grounded perspective on how law enforcement can better support immigrant victims.

He acknowledged that many undocumented individuals fear reporting crimes, worried that contact with police could lead to deportation. “We hear it all the time—people are scared we’re going to turn them over to ICE,” he said. “But our job isn’t immigration enforcement. Our job is to protect people.”

Detective Durst emphasized that trust is essential for public safety. When victims don’t feel safe coming forward, crimes go unreported and communities suffer. The T & U visa, he explained, helps bridge that gap, offering immigrant survivors protection and encouraging cooperation with investigations.

He shared real-world examples of how knowledge of the T & U visa empowered victims to report abuse and assist in cases that led to arrests and dismantled trafficking operations. These moments, he said, underscore the importance of combining legal tools with compassionate policing.

Durst also stressed the need for ongoing training for officers on trauma-informed practices and cultural sensitivity. “If we dismiss a victim early on, we lose their trust—and the case,” he noted.

Building safety starts with building trust, and law enforcement must be part of a broader community response to support and protect immigrant survivors.

Justice for immigrant victims of crime is not a solo endeavor. It requires collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to standing with those who have suffered or are suffering.

At Global Cleveland, we are proud to be part of that effort. We are dedicated to ensuring that every newcomer to our city knows their rights, understands their options, and is embraced as a valued member of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our panelists, attendees, and all who continue to advocate for a more just and welcoming Cleveland. Together, we can shape a Northeast Ohio where everyone, regardless of status, origin, or circumstance, has the opportunity to feel safe, respected, and at home.

Global Cleveland cumulated a list of resources for victims and survivors of trafficking and violent crime.