How Should a Trafficking Survivor Prepare Their Personal Statement for a T Visa Application? - Rajat Shankar

From Shankar & Associates PC - How Should a Trafficking Survivor Prepare Their Personal Statement for a T Visa Application? explains how trafficking survivors can prepare a clear, trauma-informed personal statement for a T Visa application. This episode discusses why the statement filed with Form I-914 matters, how USCIS evaluates a survivor’s account, and what details should be included about trafficking, physical presence in the United States, hardship upon removal, and law enforcement cooperation.

The conversation highlights guidance from New York T Visa immigration lawyer Rajat Shankar of Shankar & Associates PC, whose own experience as an immigrant informs his work with survivors across Nassau County, Queens, Long Island, Plainview, and the greater New York metro area. Listeners will learn how survivors can describe recruitment, transportation, force, fraud, coercion, debt bondage, withheld wages, unsafe work conditions, isolation, threats of deportation, and psychological or physical harm in plain, specific language.

This episode also covers how supporting evidence can strengthen a T Visa application, including Form I-914 Supplement B, police reports, medical records, witness statements, employment records, photos, and communications. It explains how agencies and organizations such as the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Safe Horizon, the FBI, ICE, and the Department of Labor may play a role in documenting trafficking, victimization, and cooperation with law enforcement.

Listeners will also hear about common mistakes that can weaken a personal statement, including vague language, inconsistencies with other records, and failing to address cooperation, the trauma exception, or the age exemption for child trafficking survivors. The episode closes with what may happen after filing, including USCIS review, possible Requests for Evidence, bona fide determination review for applications filed on or after August 28, 2024, deferred action, employment authorization, T nonimmigrant status, and the potential path toward lawful permanent residence.

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