What is VAWA?
VAWA, which stands for Violence Against Women Act, is a U.S. law that was first passed in 1994 to provide protections and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including immigrant victims. In the context of immigration, VAWA allows certain immigrant victims of domestic violence perpetrated by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to petition for themselves to become lawful permanent residents.
This means that victims can apply for a green card without relying on their abusive spouse or partner to sponsor them. Moreover, VAWA provides additional protections for immigrant victims of domestic violence, such as the ability to apply for a work permit and protection against deportation. It’s crucial to note that VAWA protections are not limited to women and can be applied to any individual who has been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
What are the VAWA requirements?
To qualify for immigration benefits under VAWA, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- They must be the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has subjected them to battery or extreme cruelty, or they must be the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has subjected their parent to battery or extreme cruelty.
- They must have entered into the marriage in good faith (not for the sole purpose of obtaining immigration benefits), or they must have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent during the marriage.
- They must have lived with the abusive U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent at some point.
- They must have evidence to support their abuse claims, such as police reports, medical records, or statements from witnesses.
- They must be a person of good moral character.
It’s important to note that VAWA requirements can be complex, and the evidence required to support a VAWA petition can be extensive. As such, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney when filing a VAWA petition.
What forms, fees, and evidence do I submit when I apply through VAWA?
To apply for immigration benefits under VAWA, you will need to submit the following forms, fees, and evidence:
Forms:
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
- Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative (if you are represented by an attorney)
Fees:
- There is no filing fee for Form I-360
Evidence:
- Proof of your relationship to the abusive U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Evidence of abuse, such as police reports, medical records, court records, affidavits from witnesses, or any other relevant documents that demonstrate the abuse.
- Proof that you entered the marriage in good faith, if applicable
- Evidence that you lived with the abusive U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent, if applicable
- Proof of your good moral character, such as criminal background checks or letters of recommendation
- Any other documents or evidence that may be relevant to your case.
It’s important to note that the evidence required to support a VAWA petition can be extensive and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Therefore, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney when filing a VAWA petition.
What are some common issues in VAWA cases?
There are several common issues that people may encounter when applying for immigration benefits under VAWA. Some of these issues include:
- Insufficient evidence: VAWA petitions require a significant amount of evidence to support the claim of abuse. Failing to provide sufficient evidence can lead to a denial of the petition.
- Timing issues: There are specific timing requirements for filing a VAWA petition, such as filing within two years of a final divorce from the abusive spouse or within two years of the death of the abusive spouse. Failing to file within the required time frame can result in a denial of the petition.
- Lack of good moral character: VAWA applicants must demonstrate that they have good moral character, which can be a subjective determination. Criminal history, false statements on previous applications, or other issues may raise concerns about an applicant’s moral character and result in a denial of the petition.
- Lack of understanding of the process: VAWA petitions can be complex and require extensive documentation. Failing to understand the process or requirements can lead to errors in the application and a denial of the petition.
- Lack of legal representation: It is highly recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney when filing a VAWA petition. Failing to have proper legal representation can result in mistakes in the application and a denial of the petition.
It’s important to understand that every case is unique and may have its specific challenges. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the VAWA process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.