Texas sheriff puts Martha’s Vineyard migrants on path to apply for special visa by declaring them crime victims
A Texas sheriff certified that migrants who were flown to Martha’s Vineyard last month were victims of a crime, boosting their eligibility for a special visa.
A Texas sheriff has certified that dozens of migrants who were flown from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, last month under a new program by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were crime victims, boosting their eligibility for a special visa.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Thursday he had filed certification forms that immigration lawyers say can be used to obtain visas reserved for crime victims or people who witness certain crimes.
“Based upon the claims of migrants being transported from Bexar County under false pretenses, we are investigating this case as possible Unlawful Restraint," Salazar said in a statement. "We have submitted documentation through the federal system to ensure the migrants’ availability as witnesses during the investigation."
Migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard sue DeSantisSept. 21, 202202:10Rachel Self, a Boston-based attorney who represents five of the migrants, said she had flown to San Antonio to meet with the sheriff and arrange for all 49 migrants to receive the certifications required to begin an application process for U-1 nonimmigrant visas, or "U visas," which are reserved for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and could help law enforcement or government officials investigate or prosecute criminal activity.
In an emailed statement, Self said she has been working closely with Salazar and his department "over the last few weeks" to assist them in their investigation, including through conducting interviews and collecting accounts, photos and videos.
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