VAWA Immigration Attorney in Landover, MD

What Is The VAWA?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) aims to create and support comprehensive, cost-effective responses to all kinds of domestic violence and sexual assault. The VAWA provides crucial protections and assistance to survivors of these kinds of abuse, including immigration relief for noncitizen survivors and their families.

At Zenith Law Firm, we are here to assist you in completing a VAWA self-petition, so that you can work in the US, obtain benefits, and become a lawful permanent resident. We understand the situation that led you to our firm could be stressful and overwhelming. Let us ease further difficulties by guiding you through the necessary legal processes. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help.

Contact us online or call (202) 679-8679. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, from our office in Landover. 

What to Know About a VAWA Self-Petition

What follows is need-to-know information about VAWA self-petitions:

Eligibility for a VAWA Self-Petition

You may complete a VAWA self-petition if you are the spouse, fiancé, or former spouse of an abusive US citizen or permanent resident. You may also complete a VAWA self-petition if you are the child or parent of an abusive US citizen or permanent resident.

Beyond being in these qualifying relationships, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states you must demonstrate that you experienced “battery or extreme cruelty.” You also need to have lived with the abusive US citizen or permanent resident and show you are a “person of good moral character.”

The Application Process

Applying for a VAWA self-petition requires:

• Submitting form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
• Providing evidence that you are eligible to apply
• Including details about any unmarried children under 21 who will receive the same immigration status as yourself

Should the USCIS approve your application, you can apply for permanent residency.

Can You Complete a VAWA Self-Petition Outside the US?

Yes, but you need to meet additional eligibility requirements. You must prove that your abuser is a US government employee or member of the military. You may also need to provide evidence that you experienced abuse while spending time inside the US.

VAWA Self-Petition Benefits

A successful VAWA self-petition could give you access to various public benefits, such as:

• Welfare
• Food stamps
• Children’s health insurance
• Medicare
• Federal student loans

Beyond public benefits, you may also have the right to work in the US.