VAWA
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act, creating special routes to immigration status for battered noncitizens.
The proper vehicle for VAWA protection is to file an I-360 Petition. There is a great deal of supporting documentation that must be submitted along with your petition for your application to be approved.
The applicant must provide details of the incident or incidents of abuse backed up by medical records or documentation showing bruises or other signs of abuse.
If you are an immigrant who has dealt with a situation you believe falls under VAWA, we can help you.
It’s a complicated petition, and it is not easy to get approved by the USCIS. However, we handled many such cases and are very experienced in helping our clients get a green card if there was abuse in the marital relationship.
If you submit your petition and meet all requirements, you will receive a Prima Facie Determination Notice.
This notice is valid for 150 days, allowing you public benefits at government agencies as a victim of domestic violence. If you are approved for your I-360 form, you will also be eligible to work in the United States, given that you also file an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).
Contact the Cumbas Law Firm
Even if you do not qualify for residency under VAWA, you may still be eligible to obtain legal status to remain in the U.S. with a U-visa, which is available to crime victims, including victims of domestic violence.
Let us help you and your family through this difficult process. Call (210) 739-6070 to schedule a consultation.