Immigration Legal Specialists Based In Brooklyn And Oakland Serving Clients Across The United States

Empowering Survivors Of Domestic Violence Through VAWA Immigration Relief

U.S. immigration law is notoriously restrictive, but it does offer hope for survivors of domestic abuse. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway to legal immigration status for those who have suffered abuse at the hands of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It’s not just women who can qualify; anyone who meets the criteria and has been a victim of domestic abuse can pursue this form of relief.

At Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP (formerly Bean + Lloyd and Park & Taylor), we are committed to guiding our clients through this process with compassion and dedication. We are a coast-to-coast immigration law firm with offices in both New York City and Oakland, California. Our VAWA immigration lawyers are recognized leaders in the field, led by managing attorneys who are certified specialists in immigration law through The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Our lawyers have held leadership positions in national professional organizations and have received multiple forms of professional recognition. Our mission is to stand by our clients and serve as their staunch advocates in the confusing and often overwhelming immigration system.

Understanding VAWA

If you’re confused about VAWA, you’re not alone. Here are the basics about this important law that provides immigration options for domestic abuse survivors.

What Is VAWA?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was established to protect those who suffer abuse from a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Contrary to its name, VAWA is not exclusive to women; men, nonbinary individuals, and children can also qualify. The law allows survivors to apply for a green card (permanent residence) without the involvement or knowledge of their abuser.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for a VAWA self-petition, an applicant must be a spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen or green card holder (lawful permanent resident) who is abusive. They must demonstrate good moral character and have lived with the abuser. The abuse typically must have occurred while the applicant was living in the U.S., although there are exceptions.

Types Of Immigration Relief Under VAWA

VAWA provides three primary forms of immigration relief:

  1. Ability to self-petition for lawful permanent residence: This option is available for spouses, former spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Unlike the usual family-based immigration process, with a self-petition, you do not need to involve your abuser in the process.
  2. Availability of a battered spouse or child waiver: For those with conditional permanent residence, this waiver provides an opportunity to remove those conditions if the relationship was abusive.
  3. Eligibility for cancellation of removal: This can be an option for those currently in removal (deportation) proceedings. It offers a path to cancel the removal proceedings and apply for a green card.

Our lawyers can help you evaluate your options for VAWA relief.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP (formerly Bean + Lloyd and Park & Taylor), we are passionate about assisting survivors of domestic violence. Our domestic violence attorneys can help you understand your rights and options under VAWA. We offer a safe, supportive, and understanding environment where you can be heard. Our immigration lawyers for VAWA survivors will provide compassionate guidance rooted in in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of immigration law.

Take The First Step Toward Safety

If you or someone you know is a survivor of domestic violence seeking immigration relief, contact us today. Our team of experienced VAWA immigration lawyers is here to help you secure a safe and stable future. Call 800-819-2180 to get started with a confidential consultation.