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How Can VAWA or TPS Help Prevent Deportation?

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March 28, 2026

How Can VAWA or TPS Help Prevent Deportation?

Receiving a Notice to Appear in immigration court can be one of the most terrifying moments in anyone’s life. The fear of being separated from your family and returned to a dangerous situation can be overwhelming. But please know this: you are not alone, and you may have options to prevent removal proceedings from occurring or moving forward.

At the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC, we understand that behind every immigration case number is a human being seeking safety, security, and opportunity. As a former USCIS Asylum Officer, Attorney Marron Gebremeskel brings deep compassion and unique insight to your defense. Two potential pathways to safety that we often explore for our clients are the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Are VAWA and TPS Considered Humanitarian Relief?

Both VAWA and TPS are forms of humanitarian relief. They were created specifically to protect vulnerable people who cannot safely return to their home countries or who have been victims of abuse within the United States. VAWA allows abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for a Green Card without their abuser’s knowledge. TPS, meanwhile, provides temporary safety in the U.S. for nationals of certain designated countries that are facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.

How Can VAWA and TPS Defend Against Removal Proceedings?

If you are currently in removal proceedings, filing for VAWA Cancellation of Removal provides a unique defense. An approved VAWA petition protects the applicant from deportation and creates a pathway to permanent residency.

Similarly, if you are granted TPS, you cannot be removed from the United States while the status is valid. Both VAWA (upon approval or prima facie eligibility) and TPS grant you the ability to work legally, giving you further stability.

What Should You Know About TPS Extensions?

TPS is temporary, typically lasting 6 to 18 months, but it is often renewed. However, maintaining your status requires vigilance, as you generally must re-register during specific windows announced by the Department of Homeland Security. Failing to re-register on time can result in losing your work permit and your protection from deportation.

What Evidence and Eligibility Requirements Are Needed?

Success in these cases depends heavily on the evidence you provide.

For VAWA, you generally need:

  • Proof of your relationship to the abuser (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • Proof of the abuser’s legal status (U.S. citizen or Green Card holder).
  • Evidence of domestic abuse (police reports, medical records, or detailed affidavits).
  • Evidence of your physical presence in the U.S. for a specific amount of time.
  • Proof of your good moral character.

For TPS, you generally need:

  • Passport or birth certificate from the designated country.
  • Proof that you have been continuously, physically present in the U.S. since the designation date.
  • A clean record, as you are ineligible if you have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.

An experienced attorney can help you assemble and present the correct evidence to support your application for VAWA or TPS.

Finding a Solution Through Humanitarian Aid

Receiving a notice of removal proceedings can seem life-changing, but VAWA and TPS offer possible forms of protection. Whether you are in Katy, Mansfield, or connecting with our Virtual Immigration Law Office from elsewhere, the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC is here to guide you through these applications. Schedule a consultation with our team today and let us start helping you find your path to safety.

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