Do I need to report to the police if the crime occurred outside my state?

Thank you for your question. Let”s clarify some important issues on the subject, always remembering that following the United States immigration laws is essential and that if there are more specific doubts, it is advisable to seek specialized guidance.

When a crime occurs and you are eligible for the U visa – intended for victims of crimes who cooperate with authorities – the matter of ”reporting the crime to the police” may vary according to the state and the circumstances of the event. Generally, if the crime happened outside your state of residence, it is important that the report be made in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. The local authorities in that area are responsible for investigating the fact and providing the certification (known as Form I-918, Supplement B) necessary to proceed with the U visa application.

However, the procedure may depend on cooperation agreements and ongoing investigations; that is, even if the crime occurred in another location, there may be guidance that the report should also be filed where you reside, so that all involved authorities are aware of the situation. Nevertheless, the recommendation is to follow the guidance of the law enforcement agency that took the case in the location where the crime occurred. This action can be crucial to demonstrate your cooperation with the investigations, an essential aspect for the granting of the U visa.

Furthermore, it is vital to be cautious with information found online. There are many campaigns and offers promising quick solutions or guaranteed results, but United States immigration follows specific and rigorous procedures. Therefore, avoiding falling into marketing traps and scams is essential to not jeopardize your case.

In summary, if the crime occurred outside your state of residence, the ideal is to report it to the competent law enforcement agency where the fact happened, always following the received guidance. In this way, you will be cooperating with the investigations and strengthening your U visa application without taking unnecessary risks in the process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.