Non-Immigrant Status U (U Visa) is reserved for victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse and have assisted law enforcement agencies and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activities. Congress created the Nonimmigrant U Visa through the passage of the Law on Protection of Victims of Trafficking in Persons and Violence (including the Abused Immigrant Women Protection Act) in October 2000. This legislation aimed at strengthening the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking in aliens and other crimes. In turn, this legislation protects victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical harm resulting from such crimes and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.