A U visa is a nonimmigrant visa that is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. U visas are available to both the victim and certain family members.
U visas are important because they provide a path to legal status for victims of crime who may be otherwise ineligible for other forms of immigration relief. U visas also help law enforcement by encouraging victims to come forward and report crimes.