The U nonimmigrant status is reserved for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement authorities or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Violence Against Women Act) in October 2000. The legislation aimed to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault trafficking of non-citizens, and other crimes, while simultaneously protecting victims of crimes who have suffered significant mental or physical abuse due to the crime and are willing to assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

Additionally, the legislation aids law enforcement agencies in better serving victims of crimes.