VAWA Immigration Attorney
Rebuild your life safely with VAWA immigration guidance.
If you’re an immigrant and have suffered abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you may feel trapped and unsure of your options. Many survivors fear losing their immigration status or being deported if they leave their abuser. But under U.S. immigration law, you have rights and legal protections; you do not have to stay in an abusive situation to keep your status.
This is where VAWA immigration (the Violence Against Women Act) can help. Through a VAWA petition, you can apply for lawful permanent residence independently, without your abuser’s knowledge, consent, or involvement. At Lira Bravo Law, our experienced VAWA immigration attorney is committed to helping survivors rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.
Schedule a confidential consultation today to take your first step toward freedom and security.
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Reclaim your Life Safely! Schedule a Confidential VAWA Consultation Today.
What Is VAWA Immigration?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law that allows certain immigrants who have experienced abuse to file for lawful immigration status on their own.
Despite its name, VAWA protections are available to all survivors, regardless of gender, who have been subjected to physical, emotional, or psychological abuse by a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member.
The VAWA petition (Form I-360) enables survivors to “self-petition” for lawful status without the abuser’s involvement. This can lead to what people call a domestic abuse green card, giving you the legal right to live and work in the United States permanently and safely.
What Are The VAWA Requirements?
To be eligible under VAWA requirements, you must show that:
- Your relationship qualifies: You are (or were) the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- You suffered abuse: This includes physical violence, extreme cruelty, emotional or psychological abuse, threats, or control over your life.
- You lived with the abuser at some point.
- You have good moral character as defined by U.S. immigration law.
Even if your relationship ended in divorce or the abuser lost their legal status, you may still qualify under certain conditions. Our VAWA immigration attorney at Lira Bravo Law will carefully review your situation to determine eligibility, gather necessary evidence, and ensure your petition is thorough and credible.
How to File a VAWA Petition
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the VAWA immigration process works:
1. Prepare Your Evidence
Collect documents showing your relationship to the abuser, proof of their immigration status, and evidence of abuse, including police reports, medical records, photos, witness statements, or psychological evaluations.
2. File Form I-360- The VAWA Petition
This form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and can be filed without your abuser’s knowledge; your information remains confidential.
3. Await USCIS Decision
If your VAWA petition is approved, you will be eligible to apply for a green card once a visa is available in your category. For spouses and children and U.S. citizens, a visa will be immediately available to you.
4. Apply for Work Authorization and Other Benefits
Once your petition is submitted and pending, you may qualify for employment authorization, deferred action, and other protections.
A VAWA immigration attorney can guide you through each step, ensuring your documentation is complete and your case is presented with care and precision.
Confidential, Professional VAWA Support to Secure your Safety and Status.
What Is The VAWA Processing Time?
The VAWA processing time varies depending on your location, case complexity, and USCIS backlog. Generally, it takes 12 to 24 months for the initial petition to be processed, provided all necessary documentation is complete.
If your petition is approved and you are eligible to apply for a green card, the adjustment of status process can further increase the wait time. While this waiting period can be stressful, our attorneys monitor your case closely, follow up with USCIS, and keep you updated at every stage.
Why Hire a VAWA Immigration Attorney?
VAWA cases involve more than just paperwork; they involve deeply personal experiences that require sensitivity, confidentiality, and skilled legal advocacy. Working with a VAWA immigration attorney at Lira Bravo Law ensures that:
- Your petition meets all VAWA requirements and includes the right supporting evidence.
- You receive a personalized legal strategy tailored to your domestic abuse story.
- You gain protection from deportation and can safely separate from your abuser without risking your immigration status.
- You have a trusted legal ally who communicates with USCIS on your behalf.
At Lira Bravo Law, we know that every survivor’s journey is unique. We listen to your story, explain your rights, and handle your case with compassion and professionalism.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced VAWA Immigration Attorney
If you’ve experienced spousal or family abuse and need immigration relief, you are not alone. A VAWA petition can open the door to freedom, safety, and stability in the United States; let Lira Bravo Law stand by your side.
Our mission is to help survivors of domestic abuse in immigration situations handle the system with courage and hope. Contact us today for a comprehensive consultation with an experienced VAWA immigration attorney. Together, we can help you take back control of your life and build a secure future.