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.
