Violence Against Women Act Lawyer
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protects men, women, and children who are victims of abuse. Provisions can enable victims to seek lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the U.S. without support from the person who is causing the abuse.
While this law makes it possible to get a green card if you are the victim of domestic violence or elder abuse, there are several steps to take and requirements to follow to achieve this outcome. Mistakes could cause a petition to be denied and might prejudice future efforts to obtain a visa. For that reason, many VAWA applicants find it helpful to work with an experienced immigration attorney.
At the law office of Luis F. Hess, we understand the pain you’ve endured and we want to help you escape a bad situation to find a better life ahead. Our experienced immigration team can work with you through each stage of the process to help you reach your goals.
Gaining a Green Card with VAWA
In most cases when someone seeks to get a green card based on a family connection, the family member who is a U.S. citizen or LPR files a petition for immigration on their behalf. However, in abusive situations, an individual seeking a green card may petition on their own without assistance or approval for the abusive citizen or LPR.
To be able to self-petition for a green card, an applicant must be the victim of extreme cruelty or battery committed by someone who is a U.S. citizen or LPR and who is related in a certain way. Victims abused by a parent, child, spouse, or former spouse may self-petition if their abuser is a U.S. citizen. Someone abused by a parent, spouse, or ex-spouse who is an LPR may also self-petition.
The process begins by filing a Form I-360 with supporting documentation. Because it is so important to document the details of the situation appropriately, it is wise to work with an attorney while preparing the petition. It may be possible to file for Adjustment of Status to become an LPR at the same time if the applicant meets all the other requirements.
VAWA Adjustment of Status
An application to adjust status to LPR is the part of the process that can provide an immigrant visa. To succeed with this application based on VAWA status, you must:
- Be physically present in the U.S.
- Meet the qualifications for an immigrant visa
- Be admissible for LPR status or eligible to receive a waiver of inadmissibility or other relief
- Demonstrate that your situation warrants USCIS discretion in granting LPR status through WAVA
Immigration officials have considerable discretion in deciding whether to grant adjustment of status under WAVA. For the best chance of success, an applicant must present evidence to show that the abuse and other circumstances weigh in favor of granting the application.
A Dedicated Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Get a Green Card Through VAWA
You may have all the right qualifications and a story that would melt the heart of the coldest immigration official, but if your petition, application, and supporting materials do not clearly make this evident, you may be denied help under VAWA. Assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer at Luis F. Hess, PLLC can make all the difference in the outcome.
We understand how VAWA petitions are handled and we want to help you succeed with the process. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can assist.
