Cleary Gottlieb successfully represented Mr. I in securing U nonimmigrant status (U Visa) in January 2020.
Mr. I is the victim of a former Suffolk County police sergeant who targeted dozens of Latino drivers on Long Island, stopped them without cause, and stole money from their wallets. This is the fourth of the police sergeant’s victims for whom Cleary has secured a U Visa. The U Visa will allow Mr. I to live and work in the United States for four years, to reunify with his children living abroad, and to eventually apply for a green card and U.S. citizenship.
In January 2013, the former police sergeant unlawfully stopped Mr. I, became aware of his undocumented status, and stole $100 from his wallet. Despite Mr. I’s deep fear of retaliation, he voluntarily came forward and cooperated with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in its subsequent prosecution of the former police sergeant. In January 2016, the former police sergeant was found guilty of grand larceny in the fourth degree and official misconduct, and in April 2016, he pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree and petit larceny. He was sentenced to one to three years of imprisonment.
Mr. I and the other victims of the former police sergeant were referred to the firm by LatinoJustice.