If you are asked to provide a witness letter for an immigration case, it can be overwhelming to know exactly what to write. In this article, we will provide tips and examples to help guide you through the process.
Tips for Writing a Witness Letter for Immigration
When writing a witness letter for immigration, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
1. Be Honest
It is important to be truthful in your witness letter. Do not exaggerate or provide false information, as this could have serious consequences for the person you are trying to help.
2. Focus on Key Points
Be sure to keep your letter concise and to the point. Focus on key points that will help support the person’s case.
3. Provide Specific Details
Provide specific details about your relationship with the person and any relevant events or experiences that support their case. This will help make your letter more compelling.
4. Edit and Revise
Be sure to proofread and edit your letter carefully. Ask someone else to review it as well, as a fresh set of eyes may catch errors or provide helpful suggestions.
For those who need further guidance, there are many free witness letter templates available online that can be used as a starting point. Simply search for “witness letter for immigration” and you will find numerous options to choose from.
Examples of Witness Letters for Immigration
Witness Letter for Marriage-based Green Card Application
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to provide a witness statement in support of [Name]’s application for a marriage-based green card. [Name] and I have been married for [number] years and I can attest to the fact that our marriage is genuine and bona fide. [Provide specific details about your relationship and any experiences that demonstrate the legitimacy of the marriage].
I strongly believe that [Name] deserves to remain in the United States with their spouse and continue building their life together. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Witness Letter for Asylum Application
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to provide a witness statement in support of [Name]’s application for asylum. I have known [Name] for [number] years and can attest to the fact that [they have been persecuted in their home country / they have a well-founded fear of persecution if they return to their home country]. [Provide specific details about the persecution or fear of persecution that the person has experienced.]
I believe that it is imperative that [Name] be granted asylum in the United States in order to ensure their safety and well-being. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Witness Letter for Cancellation of Removal Application
Dear Immigration Judge,
I am writing to provide a witness statement in support of [Name]’s application for cancellation of removal. I have known [Name] for [number] years and can attest to the fact that they are a valuable member of our community. [Provide specific details about the person’s contributions to the community and any hardships that would be faced if they were to be deported.]
I urge you to grant [Name] cancellation of removal in order to allow them to remain in the United States and continue making positive contributions to our society. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Witness Letter for Employment Authorization Application
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to provide a witness statement in support of [Name]’s application for employment authorization. [Name] is a hardworking and dedicated individual who would make a valuable contribution to any workplace. [Provide specific details about the person’s skills and qualifications].
Granting [Name] employment authorization would not only benefit them, but also the community as a whole. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Witness Letter for Waiver of Inadmissibility
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to provide a witness statement in support of [Name]’s application for a waiver of inadmissibility. [Name] has made mistakes in the past, but has since turned their life around and become a productive member of society. [Provide specific details about the person’s rehabilitation and contributions to the community].
Granting [Name] a waiver of inadmissibility would allow them to continue to contribute to our society and would not pose a threat to the safety or security of the United States. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Witness Letter for U Visa Application
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to provide a witness statement in support of [Name]’s application for a U visa. [Name] has been the victim of a serious crime and has cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of that crime. [Provide specific details about the crime and the person’s cooperation with law enforcement.]
I urge you to grant [Name] a U visa so that they may continue to live in the United States without fear and receive the protection they deserve. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a witness letter for someone if I am not a US citizen?
Yes, you can write a witness letter for someone even if you are not a US citizen. Your status as a citizen or non-citizen does not impact your ability to provide a witness statement.
What should I include in a witness letter for immigration?
A witness letter for immigration should include specific details about your relationship with the person and any relevant events or experiences that support their case. Be sure to focus on key points and provide honest and truthful information.
How long should a witness letter for immigration be?
A witness letter for immigration should be long enough to provide sufficient detail and support for the person’s case, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or difficult to read. Generally, a letter of 50 to 80 sentences is appropriate.
Do I need to have my witness letter notarized?
It is not necessary to have your witness letter notarized, but it may provide additional credibility and weight to your statement. Check with the person’s attorney or immigration representative to see if this is required.
Can I submit more than one witness letter for immigration?
Yes, you can submit more than one witness letter for immigration. However, it is important to ensure that each letter provides different and unique information in order to avoid redundancy.
Can I submit my witness letter electronically?
It depends on the specific requirements of the immigration case. Check with the person’s attorney or immigration representative to see if electronic submission is allowed.
Conclusion
Writing a witness letter for immigration can be a daunting task, but by following these tips and using the provided examples, you can create a compelling and effective statement that will help support the person’s case. Remember to be honest, specific, and concise, and to focus on key points that will help demonstrate the person’s eligibility for the desired immigration benefit.