VAWA – A Solution to Immigrants in Abusive Relationships
VAWA is a very powerful piece of legislation that has been successful in protecting abused spouses and children. Moreover, VAWA has very definite provisions to protect immigrants in abusive relationships from losing their status in the United States or getting deported from the United States.
Immigrants are especially vulnerable to become victims of domestic violence. The abuser usually uses his status as a citizen or lawful permanent resident in order to intimidate, isolate, and control his spouse. The abuser may also use sexual, emotional, and physical abuse to control and degrade his victim, damaging her self-esteem and in turn, enforcing her dependence on him.
Many immigrant victims of domestic violence are reluctant to come forward and end the abuse due to fears of deportation and/or of losing their children. There may be cultural reasons for this reluctance, as well as a general fear for safety. Fortunately, there are several forms of relief for these victims.
Under the Violence Against Women Act, aliens who are married or were married to abusive U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) may self-petition for Lawful Permanent Residency (green card) allowing them to stay in the United States and eventually become U.S. citizens. Self petitions do not have to be signed or filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The abuser would have no knowledge of the application; therefore, he would have no influence on the process.
There are specific requirements that make one eligible to file a petition to the USCIS under this act which we can discuss with you in detail.
How Lozano Law Offices Can Benefit You?
Please realize that the situation is not without hope. There are numerous courses of action that can be taken to assist you during this very trying time. If you are currently mid deportation and removal procedures, cancellation of removal may be appropriate or a battered spouse or child waiver may be required.
Attorney Crispin Lozano works aggressively to defend your rights and fight for you to be able to remain in the United States. We feel that you deserve the best chance that you can get to a good life in this country and strive to do all in our power to help you achieve your immigration goals.
Our office atmosphere is peaceful, comfortable and strictly confidential, which makes it easy for our clients to tell their story. Over the years we have developed vast expertise in successfully representing immigrant survivors of domestic abuse in their pursuit of lawful permanent residency.
Call us at 1-877-456-9266 for a free initial consultation. You may also contact us online.