VAWA Immigration Lawyer

If you’re an immigrant survivor of abuse, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a path to protection and independence.

This guide will help you understand VAWA immigration, its requirements, the VAWA processing time, and, most importantly, how the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel can assist you in obtaining VAWA immigration status.

What Is VAWA Immigration?

Eligible survivors of abuse can file a self-petition for lawful permanent resident status through VAWA immigration without relying on or notifying their abuser.

This process protects victims who may feel trapped or threatened by their situations. Applicants can secure independence and regain control of their lives.

Immigrants who qualify may obtain work authorization, a green card, and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.

Who Is Eligible for VAWA Immigration?

You may qualify for VAWA immigration if you are or were:

  • Married to an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).

  • A parent of an abusive U.S. citizen son or daughter.

  • A child abused by a U.S. citizen or LPR parent.

Applicants must show they were subjected to battery or extreme cruelty. Abuse may include physical, emotional, psychological, or financial mistreatment. Marron Gebremeskel can evaluate your circumstances in a compassionate and professional consultation to determine your eligibility.

What Are the VAWA Requirements?

  • Relationship to the abuser: Must demonstrate the qualifying family relationship with a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

  • Evidence of abuse: This may include police reports, restraining orders, medical records, or affidavits from family members or professionals.

  • Cohabitation: Proof that you lived with the abuser.

  • Good moral character: This is often demonstrated through a clean criminal record or other supporting documents.

Marron Gebremeskel and her team specialize in compiling robust evidence for VAWA cases, ensuring you fulfill all your requirements and evidence is strategically presented.

Application Process for VAWA Immigration

1. Gather Evidence

Collect all necessary documentation, including proof of abuse, your relationship with the abuser, cohabitation, and your moral character. Consult a VAWA lawyer to help you build a strong case.

2. Prepare a Personal Declaration Letter

Your personal declaration letter should outline the abuse you experienced, how it impacted your life, and the reasons you are seeking protection through VAWA immigration. A VAWA lawyer can help you write a truthful, straightforward narrative directly aligned with the evidence you have collected.

3. File Form I-360

Submit your self-petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Be sure to complete the form with precision and accuracy.

4. Approval and Adjustment of Status

If USCIS approves your VAWA petition, you can apply for a domestic violence green card by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

Benefits of a Domestic Violence Green Card

Once you receive your domestic violence green card, it offers survivors:

  • Safety: Legal protections ensuring you can stay independent of your abuser in the U.S.

  • Work Authorization: The ability to support yourself financially.

  • Pathway to Citizenship: Start your steps toward permanent residency and eventually U.S. citizenship.

What Is the VAWA Processing Time?

The VAWA processing time typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on factors like the complexity of your case, USCIS backlogs, and the quality of your submitted evidence. Staying informed about your case status and working with an experienced VAWA lawyer is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays.

Contact Marron Gebremeskel for VAWA Immigration

VAWA offers survivors of abuse a vital opportunity for safety and stability. With a proven track record in immigration law, Marron Gebremeskel and her team are committed to empowering clients through their immigration cases.

Contact a VAWA lawyer from the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward a safer, brighter future in the United States.