Overview of VAWA Green Card
VAWA Green Card is an immigration benefit for victims of abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. Citizen and certain spouses and children of permanent residents (Green Card holders). The abuse can be emotional or physical.
A primary advantage of VAWA is that it can be approved even if you have violated your past immigration status such as entering without inspection, working without authorization, among other violations. Another advantage of VAWA is upon approval of the VAWA petition, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence (green card). While VAWA stands for Violence Against Women Act, it is not just for women but for men that are also victims of domestic violence/extreme mental cruelty from a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident spouse, child, or parent.
Who is eligible for VAWA Green Card?
- Spouses of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents and their children under 21 who have not filed for themselves;
- Parent of a U.S. Citizen abuser; or
- Child of a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident abuser if the child is under 21 and unmarried. The child of an abuser may also file before age 25 if they can prove they did not file before the age of 21 because of the abuse by the abuser.
VAWA Green Card requirements for Spouse
- Qualifying Relationship to the abuser:
- You are married to a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident abuser, or
- Your marriage to the abuser was terminated by death or divorce within 2 years prior to filing your petition, or
- Your spouse lost or renounced citizenship or permanent resident status within 2 years prior to filing your petition due to an incident of domestic violence, or
- Abuse Requirements –
- You suffered physical abuse, or
- You have suffered extreme cruelty – control by the abuser is often extreme cruelty
- You entered into the marriage in good faith and not solely for immigration benefits
- You have resided with your spouse
- You are a person of good moral character
VAWA Green Card requirements for a Child
- Qualifying Relationship to the abuser:
- You are the child of a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident abuser, or
- You are the child of a U.S. Citizen or Permanent resident abuser who lost citizenship or permanent residence doe to an incident of domestic violence
- Abuse Requirements –
- You suffered physical abuse, or
- You have suffered extreme cruelty – control by the abuser is often extreme cruelty
- You have resided with the abusive parent
- You are a person of good moral character – if you are less than 14 years of age, good moral character is presumed.
VAWA Green Card for a Parent
- Qualifying relationship to the abuser:
- You are the parent of a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident son or daughter abuser who is at least 21 years of age when the self-petition is filed, or
- You are the parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter who lost or renounced citizenship status due to an incident of domestic violence, or
- You are the parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter who was at least 21 years of age and who died within 2 years prior to filing the self-petition.
2. Abuse Requirements –
- You suffered physical abuse, or
- You have suffered extreme cruelty – control by the abuser is often extreme cruelty.
3. You have resided with the abusive son or daughter.
4. You are a person of good moral character.
If these elements are satisfied, USCIS may approve the VAWA Petition
What are the benefits of a VAWA Green Card?
- Can be self-sponsored without your abuser’s help or knowledge.
– VAWA is an option to provide victims of abuse safety.
– you do not need your U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident abuser for immigration sponsorship. - VAWA often makes immigration violations waivable such as unlawful presence in the United States among other immigration violations.
- VAWA can lead to permanent residence upon approval.
- VAWA allows for concurrent filing of the permanent residence, and often can lead to employment authorization while the case is pending, meaning you can work legally and start generating income before your VAWA visa is issued.
Why hire U.S.?
Proving eligibility requires navigating and documenting the eligibility requirements. Determining what evidence is needed to prove each element requires a skilled immigration lawyer, but also a lawyer that is compassionate, understanding, and sympathetic to your needs.
At Cipolla Law Group, we care about our clients and understand the struggles they have endured. Our team consists of legally trained professionals who are also mothers, father, husbands and wives. We are here to ensure your have the legal protection you desire. Your Chicago Immigration lawyers speak Spanish, Chinese and Farsi. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.