WERE YOU TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF AT WORK: in the U.S.?
You May Qualify for Legal Protection — Even If You Don’t Think You Were “Trafficked”
Many people come to the United States chasing a better life or an honest job—only to find themselves working under unfair or abusive conditions. If this happened to you, and you felt like you had no choice but to keep working, even when it was unsafe, unpaid, or humiliating, you may qualify for a T visa.
At Burgos Law, we help people who were misled, pressured, or trapped in their jobs understand their legal options and apply for immigration protection.
You don’t have to call yourself a “victim” or a “survivor” to ask for help. You just need to talk with someone who can explain your rights.
SIGNS YOU MAY Qualify
- Your boss took your passport or ID
- You were paid less than promised, or not paid at all
- You were forced to work long hours with no breaks or days off
- You felt you couldn’t leave your job because of threats, debt, or immigration concerns
- You were lied to about what kind of job or pay you’d receive
- You were told you’d be deported if you stopped working
- You were isolated, controlled, or afraid to speak up
If this sounds like what you’ve gone through—or are still going through—there may be a legal path forward to becoming a Legal Permanent Resident.
WHAT IS A T Visa?
The T visa is a special immigration benefit for people who were forced to work through threats, lies, abuse, or manipulation. You don’t need to have been physically harmed. If someone used fear, control, or false promises to keep you working, this visa may be for you.
Traffickers Can Be Individuals or Companies
People often think of trafficking as something done by dangerous criminals or strangers, but that’s not always the case. A trafficker could be:
- A company that promised you one job and forced you into another
- A recruiter or employer who took your documents and underpaid or threatened you
- A friend, acquaintance, spouse, or even family member who manipulated you into working, including domestic labor, under abusive conditions
WHAT DOES A T VISA offer?
If you qualify, the T visa can offer:
- ✅ Legal immigration status (for up to 4 years)
- ✅ A work permit so you can earn income legally
- ✅ The ability to include certain family members in your application
- ✅ A path to a green card (permanent residency) after 3 years
The T visa Also Forgives Certain Violations
Many people who qualify for a T visa are afraid to speak up because they’re worried about their immigration history. You should know that the T visa forgives many immigration-related issues, including:
- 🛑 Entering the U.S. without permission
- 🛑 Working without authorization
- 🛑 Using false documents (in some cases)
- 🛑 Staying in the U.S. after a visa expired (unlawful presence)
- 🛑 Prior deportation or removal orders (in some cases)
The T visa is designed to help—not punish—people who have been taken advantage of
YOU ARE NOT ALONE & IT WASN'T YOUR FAULT
Most of our clients never used the word “trafficking” to describe what happened to them. In fact, many thought they were simply “unlucky,” or blamed themselves for “not knowing better.” The truth is, no one deserves to be tricked or trapped.
You’re not the only one who stayed because you didn’t think you had another choice. The law recognizes this—and it provides protection for people in your situation.
SCHEDULE A CONFIDENTIAL IMMIGRATION Strategy Session
We know it’s not easy to talk about what you’ve been through. At Burgos Law, we listen without judgment. Everything you share with us stays private and confidential, and we will never pressure you to report or do anything that makes you feel unsafe. We can help you understand if you qualify for a T visa.