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Visa & Immigration Resources

Visa & Immigration Resources


Information for victims of interpersonal violence.
IN THIS SECTION
  • Title IX
  • Title IX Coordinator
  • Policies & Definitions
  • Reporting Options
  • How to File a Report
  • What to Do If You're Assaulted
  • Resources
  • Sexual Assault & Violence Information
  • How to Help a Friend or Family Member
  • Bystander Intervention
  • Response Team Training Requirements
  • Training Opportunities for Faculty, Staff, & Students
  • Off-Campus Clery Act and Title IX Guidance
  • The Jeanne Clery Act and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  • Visa & Immigration Resources
  • Athletics
  • Pregnant & Parenting Students and Employees
  • Equity In Accommodations
  • Title IX & the LGBTQ+ Community
  • Alcohol & Sexual Violence
Contact Title IX
Jennifer Quinn M.Ed., CHES, CTTS
Director of Title IX
Drug and Alcohol Education Prevention
Student Center
Office SC338
wsu_titleix@worcester.edu
508-929-8243
On-Campus Emergencies
508-929-8911
Off-Campus Emergencies Worcester Police Department
911

We are here to answer your questions & offer our resources.

International students and scholars with questions about their immigration and visa status are advised to seek the assistance of an immigration attorney. This web page is a resource to explain certain aspects of the law, but is not a replacement for legal advice.

Immigration and Visa Information in Response to Sexual & Interpersonal Violence

Note. This document has been translated to 120 languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Under the law, students and staff who are victims or survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence receive the same rights under Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments (Title IX) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), regardless of immigration and visa status. Information about on-campus medical and counseling resources, as well as available accommodations, may be found at Title IX Resources. Information about the student conduct process may be found in the university’s Code of Conduct. The University will not retaliate against you or treat you differently on the basis of reporting a crime.

  • Yes. Information about your state’s criminal definitions of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking may be found in the Annual Security Report (also known as the Clery Report). Specific questions about filing charges may be addressed to the University Police Department.

  • Yes. For victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, there may be other visa options, including U and T Visas. For specifics, talk to an immigration attorney.

    U Visa

    • For victims of substantial physical or mental abuse as the result of certain criminal activity, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, assault, or other related crimes.
    • Victim/applicant must be a victim of qualifying criminal activity and likely to be helpful to the investigation and/or prosecution of that criminal activity.
    • Generally valid for four years.
    • For more information, consult an immigration attorney, and see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services information.

    T Visa

    • For victims of human trafficking.
    • Must comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement for cooperation in investigation or prosecution of trafficking act(s) (unless unable to cooperate because of physical or psychological trauma), and must be able to demonstrate that the victim/applicant would suffer extreme hardship if removed from the United States.
    • Generally valid for four years.
    • For more information, consult an immigration attorney, and see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services information.
  • The International Programs Office can provide useful information regarding immigration status. Note that for questions regarding changes to other visa statuses, or legal options that fall outside of standard F-1 and J-1 student visas, or employer-sponsored work visas, consult a qualified immigration attorney.

    F-1 & J-1 Status Students

    International students and scholars should consult the advice of an International Student Advisor in the International Programs Office to discuss the following:

    • Options for reduced course-load approval due to medical conditions certified by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.
    • Options for, and consequences to, withdrawing from your academic program.
    • Information about returning to the academic program at a later date, if the student chooses to withdraw.
    • Options and consequences for accompanying spouses.
    • General information on options for changing visa status.
    • General information on U and T visas. Referral to a qualified immigration attorney.
    • Referral to a qualified attorney.

    H-1B, O-1, E-3, or TN Employees

    • Options for a work leave of absence, and consequences to your immigration status.
    • Options and consequences for accompanying spouses.
    • General information on options for changing visa status. Referral to a qualified immigration attorney.
    • General information on U and T visas. Referral to a qualified immigration attorney.
    • Referral to a qualified immigration attorney.

    Pending U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card Not Yet Approved)

    • Impact of leaving your employment on your pending employer-sponsored permanent resident application;
    • Referral to a qualified attorney
  • Immigration lawyers are licensed attorneys who specialize in the field of immigration law. They function as the client’s advocate, and can represent them before immigration agencies, both in immigration court as well as in filing applications for immigration benefits. The lawyer can give general advice and can discuss immigration options. Like all lawyers, immigration lawyers are bound by professional ethical and legal requirements, and keep client discussions confidential.

  • Please see the International Programs Office for additional support.

    Local Legal Assistance Listings

    Law Office of Randy Feldman

    Address: 500 Main St #510, Worcester, MA 01608
    Telephone: 508-792-1202

    Iandoli, Desai & Cronin P.C.

    Telephone: 617-482-1010
    Fax: 617-423-9070
    Email: infor@iandoli.com
    (By appointment only)

    Moreno Law Office, LLC

    Address: 390 Main St, Suite 718 Worcester, MA 01608
    Telephone: 508-798-5291
    MA Toll Free: 855-966-7366
    Email: morenolawoffice@yahoo.com

    Law Office of Obadan Iziokhai

    Address: 390 Main St, Suite 805 Worcester, MA 01608
    Telephone: 508-793-9660

    Note. Worcester State University provides this list as a courtesy to our students. This is not an endorsement of any of the attorneys listed on this document. Students are under no obligation to select attorneys from this listing and may select any attorney of their choosing.

    Additional Resources

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a bureau of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), offers two sites to help individuals find free or low-cost legal representation:

    USCIS: Find Local Legal Services

    The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) provides a listing of attorneys by state who provide immigration services either for free or for little cost:

    BIA: List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

    The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) offers an online Immigration Lawyer Referral Service that can help a student or scholar find an immigration lawyer:

    AILA: Immigration Lawyer Referral Service

    The American Bar Association also provides information on finding legal services by state:

    ABA: Find Legal Help

  • Undocumented students occupy a vulnerable position and might face barriers to reporting an incident for fear of repercussion. As an undocumented student, you have rights!

    • You are not to be threatened with deportation by your institution: this is considered a violation of both Title IX and the Clery Act as it is an active discouragement from reporting.
    • You can file a complaint anonymously: either with the federal government or with your institution. If you fear exposing your undocumented status you are under no obligation to include your name or identifying information in your complaint.
    • You are not to be asked to disclose your immigration status to school administrators when reporting a sexual assault: this is considered intimidation and violates the Clery Act.
    • You do have the right to report the crime to authorities. In cases such as these, sexual assault survivors can apply for a U-Visa which protects survivors working with law enforcement from being deported. U-Visas have a nationwide cap and can be difficult to obtain, however, you should not feel that you are limited in reporting―if you feel strongly about reporting the assault to the authorities a U-Visa is an option.
    • If any of your rights are violated by your institution you have the right to file a federal complaint.

    This information comes from: End Rape on Campus (EROC) International & Undocumented Students.

    Find additional information detailing the rights of International and Undocumented students, as well as the intersections of immigration status and Title IX: Know Your IX

Related Links

Clery Report
Contact Title IX
Jennifer Quinn M.Ed., CHES, CTTS
Director of Title IX
Drug and Alcohol Education Prevention
Student Center
Office SC338
wsu_titleix@worcester.edu
508-929-8243
On-Campus Emergencies
508-929-8911
Off-Campus Emergencies Worcester Police Department
911
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