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VAWA (Battered Immigrants, Spouses or Children of U.S. Citizens)
Some United States citizens (USC) and Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) misuse their control of the immigration process to abuse the family members they petition for or by threatening to report the to INS. As a result, most battered immigrants are afraid to report the abuse to the police or other authorities.
Pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the spouses and children of USCs or LPRs may self-petition to obtain lawful permanent residency. The immigration provisions of VAWA allow certain battered immigrants to file for immigration relief without the abuser's assistance or knowledge, or order to seek safety and independence from the abuser. Help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3244 [TDD] for information about shelters, mental health care, legal advice and other types of assistance, including information about self-petitioning for immigration status.
Contact our office for more information at (800) 733-0849 or email us to schedule a free consultation:
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