The story of a human trafficking client from the Immigration Unit
By Veronica Joya, Supervising Attorney
In 2015, Janus (fictious name) came to the country with great expectations after he was recruited by a childhood friend, a U.S. resident, to work in his new business. The friend, Lazlo (fictious name), had just opened an eatery in Southern California and Janus couldn’t believe his good fortune to have a job waiting for him. He gladly took the opportunity with the assurance from Lazlo that he would help him with his immigration status.
Deceived into forced labor
Janus learned quickly after his arrival that the job and working for Lazlo was not what he thought it would be. Lazlo was harsh and forced him to work 14-hour days, seven days a week, with no days off, and no pay. At most, he was allowed a 45-minute break each day.
Trusting Lazlo, Janus had given him his immigration documents when he arrived because he promised to keep them safe. Without access to his passport and documents, he felt stuck and completely under Lazlo’s control.
After two grueling years of working in the eatery, Janus began suffering terrible pains in his leg. He saw a doctor who told him he could only heal through sufficient rest. When Janus shared the doctor’s advice, Lazlo was furious and refused to allow him any time off. The only adjustment he was willing to make was to let Janus work while seated, for one month.
Seeking help
Feeling more desperate after another two years of working for Lazlo, Janus courageously contacted law enforcement to report himself as a victim of trafficking and then sought our assistance with his immigration issues.
We took his case and filed a T visa in May of 2020. T nonimmigrant status is a temporary immigration benefit that enables certain victims of a severe form of trafficking to remain in the country for an initial period of up to 4 years, if they have complied with any reasonable request for assistance from law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of human trafficking or qualify for an exemption or exception.
At last, immigration relief
Fortunately for Janus, especially after the years spent in servitude to Lazlo, within a little more than a year after the filing, he received approval for T nonimmigrant status in August 2021.
As a T nonimmigrant, Janus is eligible for employment authorization and certain federal and state benefits and services. Upon qualification, he may also be able to adjust his status and become a lawful permanent resident (obtain a Green Card).
Thanks to Elizabeth Buner and Jacqueline Flores, the two staff attorneys who worked on this case under my supervision, Janus is now living and working free from any tie with Lazlo and is recovering from the years of oppression and forced servitude he endured. He is optimistic about his future and the possibility of making a life for himself as a permanent resident.
