(F)  Visas.  Temporary visas under the “T” (for trafficking victims),[134] “U” (for victims of serious crimes),[135] and “S” (snitch) categories are available even if a noncitizen is convicted of an aggravated felony.[136]  A noncitizen may also be able to obtain other categories of temporary visa with a waiver under INA § 212(d)(3)(A),[137] even if convicted of an aggravated felony.

[134] See § 24.16, infra.

[135] See § 24.17, infra

[136] See § 24.15, infra

[137] INA § 212(d)(3)(A), 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(3)(A).  See § 24.30, infra.

BIA

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - RELIEF - PAULUS DEFENSE INAPPLICABLE
Matter of Martinez-Espinoza, 25 I. & N. Dec. 118 (BIA Nov. 4, 2009) (unidentified substance defense under Ruiz-Vidal v. Gonzales, 473 F.3d 1072 (9th Cir. 2007); Matter of Paulus, 11 I&N Dec. 274 (BIA 1965), inapplicable where burden is on noncitizen to show not ineligible for relief by a preponderance of the evidence). NOTE: This may not be true in the Ninth Circuit. See Sandoval-Lua v. Gonzales, 499 F.3d 1121, 1124 (9th Cir. 2007).