New York, NY —

Immigrant advocates are urging undocumented immigrants who are crime victims to apply for a special visa that can lead to citizenship. In order to be eligible, immigrants must report the crime and then cooperate with the law enforcement agency investigating it.

Attorney Susanne Tomatore from the City Bar Justice Center represents so called U-Visa applicants. She says the visa provides an incentive for immigrants to speak up when they are victimized:

TOMATORE: Certain types of people will prey on people who are undocumented because they know the chances of it getting back to law enforcement are slimmer at least they think so. So with this U-Visa it would help people have the strength to come forward and cooperate.

REPORTER: The U-Visa was created eight years ago but regulations weren't established until last October. According to the public advocate's office, nearly a thousand immigrants citywide received temporary status while rules were getting worked out. They have until April 14 to file an official application.