VAWA Self-Petitions

Fighting on your behalf when you are most vulnerable.

We understand the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on a person’s life. If you’re trapped in an abusive relationship with a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you don’t have lawful status, we’re here to help. Attorney Emma has assisted many abused victims in filing successful applications for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Contact us today to find out whether you’re eligible to file a VAWA self-petition or if another avenue of relief might be a better option for you.

What is VAWA?  The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) aids immigrants (women, men, and children) who have been victims of domestic violence by allowing them to attain legal permanent residence (LPR) through the filing of a VAWA self-petition.  VAWA was created to remove the obstacles many immigrants face due to immigration laws when reporting crimes, especially domestic violence, to law enforcement agencies.

If you have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by a spouse or parent who is a citizen or LPR of the US, you may be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition for a green card without the knowledge or cooperation of the abusive family member.

Your safety is a priority! If you are in an abusive relationship and need assistance, know that you are NOT alone! If you need resources on shelter assistance, counseling, and safety planning, you can find resources here.

“Domestic violence” is a broad term and encompasses physical violence, threats of harm to others, intimidation, sexual abuse, financial abuse, using your immigration status as a means of leverage against you, verbal abuse, social isolation, and economic abuse. If you have suffered domestic violence by a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen spouse or parent, contact us to discuss a possible VAWA self-petition.

Contact Us for a Consultation at (713) 955-2276 to find out more about VAWA benefits and whether you could be eligible to apply for a green card through this program.