Some government-funded programs, services, and assistance that are necessary for the protection of life and safety, are available to anyone, regardless of their immigration status. Under the Victims of Trafficking Victims Protection Act (VTVPA), victims of severe forms of trafficking may be eligible for a number of other benefits and services.
Services available
Under the VTVPA, victim services agencies, like Tapestri, have been funded to provide victims services including:
- Crisis counseling
- Short-term shelter or housing assistance
- Health care
- Mental health assistance
- Assistance with legal and immigration issues
- ESL/ vocational skills training
- Life skills training
- Translation and interpretation services
Certification
The VTVPA allows victims who are not U.S. citizens to be eligible for benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. To be eligible to receive these benefits, victims of severe forms of trafficking who are eighteen years or older must be certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Victims of severe forms of trafficking who are under eighteen years of age do not need to be certified to receive these benefits).
Work authorization
Under the trafficking law, victims of severe forms of trafficking may also be eligible to obtain an employment authorization document that allows them to work legally in the United States. However, work authorization can only be granted in conjunction with certain immigration relief granted by CIS (formerly INS). |
