One of the biggest concerns for many immigrants is whether they can get a green card without having to leave the United States. The good news is that, in many cases, the answer is yes! At Whitaker Legal, we have helped people from over 125 countries adjust their status and stay with their families while working toward legal residency. 

One of the ways we help people get a green card without leaving the country is through the T Visa, a program for people who have faced difficult circumstances at the hands of an employer. 

T Visa: Protection for Survivors of Human Trafficking 

For those who have been forced to work in the U.S. through fraud, coercion, or threats, the T Visa offers a path to legal status and, eventually, a green card. 

One of our clients came to the U.S. from El Salvador hoping to build a better life. Just a few months after arriving, she was referred to someone offering housekeeping work. What began as a promise of fair pay and short workdays quickly turned into something far more exploitative. 

Her employer began to emotionally manipulate her, claiming she wasn’t good enough and didn’t deserve fair wages. She was forced to clean multiple houses daily—sometimes five in one day—while being paid below the promised rate. Her employer controlled nearly every aspect of her life, even threatening to call immigration if she tried to leave the job. She was forced to work through physical pain, denied time off when her child was sick, and made to believe she had no other choice. 

Despite her fear, she eventually found the courage to leave. But her employer continued to harass her for weeks, showing up at her home and calling nonstop. It wasn’t until she found legal help and learned about her rights that she began to feel safe. 

Through the T Visa process, we helped her report what happened, assist law enforcement, and begin the journey toward healing. Today, she is receiving therapy and working to rebuild her life—knowing that the legal system can protect her.  

Find Out If You Qualify 

Every immigration case is unique, and the best way to know if you can apply for a green card without leaving the U.S. is to speak with a trusted immigration lawyer. 

At Whitaker Legal, we are committed to helping immigrants build a secure future in the United States. Whether you’ve experienced abuse, exploitation, or long delays in your case, we are here to guide you. 

Schedule a consultation today to find out how we can help you.