The safety and protection of you and your family is essential. Did you know that an immigration lawyer can examine how abuse status can positively affect your case as a victim of abuse or crimes, and provide you with valuable legal options? If you’ve experienced abuse and are exploring options to secure your stay in the United States, this article is for you. If you are a victim of abuse looking to obtain a permanent residence or green card in the United States, keep reading.

Our immigration lawyers are here to navigate victims through the residence application process, providing the support and legal guidance. From understanding the requirements to navigating the documentation, ensuring victims take the right steps and protecting their rights is our mission. 

Our lawyers have not only experience in immigration law, but also in abuse cases. This unique blend of knowledge allows us to address your situation from all angles and find solutions tailored to your specific needs.

The first step is to hire a good lawyer to help you understand how being a victim of abuse can influence your eligibility for residency. There are many paths for victims, from collecting evidence to submitting a strong application, we are committed to making this process clearer and more accessible.

How Do Victims Of Domestic Violence Obtain Residence?

Abusive relationships with immigrants and lawful residents or citizens can trigger fears of deportation and jeopardize the chance of obtaining lawful residency. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) plays a pivotal role for victims of abuse facing mental or physical abuse. VAWA protections extend to both men and women suffering abuse from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. 

A victim of abuse entering the U.S. with a two-year conditional resident status due to abuse can file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to apply for a waiver of the joint-petition and obtain a green card, providing a route to legal status without relying on the abuser. VAWA encompasses various applications, from VAWA Cancellation of removal to VAWA self-petitions and VAWA battered Spouse or Child Waiver. Consult our immigration lawyers to determine your eligibility and receive top-notch advice and representation.

What Are The Benefits Of A Domestic Violence Green Card?

• Live and work in the United States
• Eligibility for U.S. naturalization and citizenship
• Protection under U.S federal and state laws
• The ability to leave and re-enter the U.S. at will
• The right to apply for government-sponsored benefits or financial aid
• The right to apply for a driver’s license
• The right to receive Social Security benefits
• The right to start a business
• The right to sponsor their spouse or unmarried children to come to the U.S.

Submitting Evidence Of Abuse Is A Must

It is important to provide evidence of the mental, or physical abuse to qualify for VAWA. The more evidence you supply for your case, the higher the likelihood USCIS will approve you for a permanent residency status. 

Common pieces of evidence are:

• Abuser’s arrest records
• CCTV footages
• Declarations from friends, family, and neighbors
• Declaration from shelter staff
• Emails from the abuser
• Psychiatrist or therapist reports
• Evidence of emergency calls
• Evidence of counseling sessions
• Medical records
• Phone records
• Photographs of bruises and injury
• Police report and statement
• Restraining Orders
• Screenshots of threatening text messages
• Evidence from social service systems
• Videos recordings of the abuse.

How Do Victims And Witnesses Of Crimes Obtain Residence?

Eligibility for a U-Visa arises if you witness or become a victim of abuse or victim of crime, having contacted the police and aided in their investigation or testified in court. The U-Visa, created to protect non-citizens and encourage cooperation with the police, offers legal status, employment authorization, and a path to permanent residence in the form of a green card.

After obtaining a U-visa, the final step is applying to become a lawful permanent resident after three years by filing Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with supporting documents. Obtaining a U Visa without legal guidance can be challenging, and our immigration lawyers in Bellflower, CA, with years of U Visa experience, are here to help.

Common Qualifying Crimes Include:

• Abduction
• Abusive sexual contact
• Blackmail
• Domestic violence
• Extortion
• False imprisonment
• Female genital mutilation
• Felonious assault
• Being held hostage
• Incest
• Involuntary servitude
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Obstruction of justice
• Peonage
• Perjury
• Prostitution
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual exploitation
• Slave trade
• Torture
• Trafficking
• Witness tampering
• Unlawful criminal restraint

What Are Requirements For A U Visa?

1. You are a victim of a qualifying crime that violates U.S. law.
2. You suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime.
3. You have credible and reliable information about the qualifying crime.
4. You are willing to assist with the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
5. The crime took place in the United States

Call (562) 925-2921 to schedule a consultation with our immigration lawyers in Bellflower, CA to determine the best route for you. If you are a victim of abuse, do not be afraid. We are here to help you take the next step towards security and stability in the United States and help you take your first and final step towards your Residence in the United States. Contact our immigration lawyers today and we’ll help you make a difference in your life and your family.

Don’t Let Them Intimidate You. You Can Achieve Great Things When You Are Unafraid