Imagine living in fear of your own family member - the very person who should be protecting you. Sadly, this is the reality for many noncitizens trapped in abusive relationships with their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouses, parents, or children.
As an immigration law firm, the team at Birg Law understands the unique challenges faced by abuse survivors navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. That's why we're passionate about empowering our clients to take back control of their lives through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition process.
What is a VAWA Self-Petition? The family-based immigration process typically requires U.S. citizens and green card holders to file petitions for their noncitizen relatives. However, some abusers may exploit this system, threatening to withhold or withdraw the petition in order to maintain power and control over their family members.
Recognizing this, Congress passed the groundbreaking Violence Against Women Act in 1994 (and subsequent reauthorizations). VAWA provides a critical safeguard, allowing noncitizen victims of abuse to self-petition for their own immigration classification, without their abuser's involvement.
Who Qualifies for a VAWA Self-Petition? The VAWA self-petition is available to the following individuals who have suffered abuse by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members:
Spouses of U.S. citizens and green card holders
Children (of any age) of U.S. citizens and green card holders
Parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 years of age or older
If USCIS approves your self-petition, you can then take the next steps to obtain your green card, either through consular processing (if you're outside the U.S.) or by applying for adjustment of status (if you're already in the country).
How Birg Law Can Help At Birg Law, our compassionate immigration attorneys understand the trauma and complexities that abuse survivors face. We are committed to providing confidential, personalized support to help you safely navigate the VAWA self-petition process and secure your legal status in the United States.
Don't let your abuser's threats or manipulation prevent you from seeking the safety and independence you deserve. Contact Birg Law today to learn more about your options and how we can assist you in escaping the cycle of abuse and building a brighter future.