We have successfully obtained green cards for victims of domestic violence. This is a serious and sensitive case type we hold close to our hearts, because we want nothing more than our clients to find some safety and peace in this world. Domestic violence is about your partner maintaining power and control over your life, and if you find yourself in this situation, please contact us so we can help you with your immigration options.
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a battered spouse, child or parent can file an immigrant visa petition for themselves, without the abuser’s knowledge. This allows victims of abuse to seek safety and independence from their abuser in the United States. The abuser is not notified about the filing. Additionally, VAWA applies equally to all genders and is not specific to women. VAWA applicants may apply for work and travel permits while their green card applications are pending.
Individuals may also file as an abused spouse if their child has been abused by their U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse. These applicants may include unmarried children under the age of 21 on their petitions.
Additionally, abused children who are under the age of 21 and unmarried may file for themselves. These applicants can file for themselves as children after age 21 but before age 25 if they can demonstrate that the abuse was the main reason for the delay in filing.
Help is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD). The hotline has information about shelters, mental health care, legal advice and other types of assistance. For more information, visit the National Domestic Violence website at https://www.thehotline.org/.
We can also help you remove your conditions by filing an I-751 if you are in an abusive situation. Please remember that you can be male, female, in a same-sex marriage or in a traditional marriage and still be a victim of domestic violence. Please contact us if you need legal representation.
We’ll set up a 30-minute in-person or virtual meeting with you via Zoom, video conference, Skype or phone to get to know your unique situation, understand your needs, and begin to map out a legal strategy.
The second step of our process lasts 3-5 days, during which we handle all necessary administrative details to set up your case. You will put down your initial deposit, sign a fee agreement, complete a questionnaire and meet with us to dive deeper.
For the next 3-4 weeks, we wi11 work together, side-by-side, to prepare your case and set you up for success. After we have prepared your case, we will share it with you for review. Then we flle your case and monitor it.
Immigration law is complex.
We know the law and will fight for your right to stay in the United States.