VAWA
What it is:
VAWA stands for the Violence Against Women Act, but it applies to all genders. Under VAWA, certain abused family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can self-petition for legal status without the abuser’s knowledge or consent.
Benefits:
- Work authorization
- Legal status (as a VAWA self-petitioner).
- Ability to apply for a green card (permanent residence).
- Protection from deportation while your petition is pending
Who can qualify:
You may be eligible if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty by:
- A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse
- A U.S. citizen parent
- A U.S. citizen son or daughter
- A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) spouse or former spouse
- A lawful permanent resident parent
Your safety comes first
Our team protects your privacy. The process is confidential and will not alert the abuser. We are here to help you with respect and empathy.