People living in the United States illegally are encouraged to report crimes committed against them, but some fear that doing so may lead to deportation.
While a federal program has been in place allowing undocumented crime victims to apply for a U visa - which will give them legal protections in the U.S. — the program has a backlog of applications and people can wait years.
Last week the Biden administration announced a new policy giving hope to those waiting for their applications to be reviewed.
It allows qualified applicants to receive work permits and protection from deportation while they wait for their U visas to be processed.
Kate Morrissey is an immigration reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
She joined Midday Edition on Tuesday with more on the story.
RELATED: US Gives More Asylum-Seekers Waiting In Mexico Another Shot