An immigrant who has been the victim of physical and/or psychological abuse by a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse may be eligible to file a petition based on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The client must prove they are/have:
- Married to an abusive U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- A person of good moral character
- In good faith marriage
- Lived with their spouse
Domestic violence survivors may be eligible to apply for a U-Visa, if their abuser is not a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident OR if the abuser and survivor were unmarried. The U-Visa’s purpose is to strengthen law enforcement agencies’ ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes
If you are a victim of domestic violence and need immediate assistance, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).