Protecting Immigrant Women From Violence The Vawa Self-Petition
PROTECTING IMMIGRANT WOMEN FROM VIOLENCE: THE VAWA SELF-PETITION
Many immigrants obtain a Green Card through the sponsorship of a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. But what happens when problems arise in the relationship and violence occurs?
The VAWA self-petition
A series of laws were passed in 1994, 2000, and 2005 known as VAWA, which stands for Violence Against Women Act. The law includes spouses (female or male) and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are victims of domestic abuse. allows these victims to apply for permanent residence on their own, without the knowledge or assistance of the abusive spouse or parent. This prevents them from remaining in an abusive situation simply to protect their immigrant status. VAWA allows them to seek independence and safety from their abuser.
Eligibility
To be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition, you must qualify in one of the following categories: a Spouse: You may file a self-petition if you are a battered spouse married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Unmarried children under the age of 21 who have not filed their own self-petition, may be included on your petition as dependants.
a Parent: You may file a self-petition if you are the parent of a child who has been abused by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. Your children (under 21 years of age and unmarried), including those who may not have been abused, may be included on your petition as dependants, if they have not filed their own self-petition.
a Child: You may file a self-petition if you are a battered child (under 21 years of age and unmarried) who has been abused by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent. Your children (under 21 years of age and unmarried), including those who may not have been abused, may be included on your petition as dependants.
It is important to note that along with your self-petition you will be expected to provide evidence of the relationship and the fact that abuse has occurred. If you require assistance, an immigration lawyer can help you file your VAWA self-petition. To consult an immigration lawyer, contact United States Immigration Support at www.USAimmigrationSupport.com.
