Impact: Immigration Law Offers Mother and Son Security Following Violent Crime

Ana*, a diabetic from the Philippines, entered the United States in 2001 on a visa. Due to an error in filing for an extension, she fell out of lawful status. In 2005, Ana gave birth to her U.S. citizen son. Soon thereafter, her partner left her. Working to support her son and herself, Ana relied on child care for her infant. However, when the baby was four months old, her child care provider shook him so violently that he stopped breathing. Since then, Ana's son requires ongoing physical therapy and treatment. The National Immigrant Justice Center represented Ana in filing for a U visa, a special visa for victims of crime including domestic violence. Today, Ana is living and working in the U.S. lawfully and is able to provide her son the medical care he needs.

*Name has been changed to protect client's privacy.