VAWA
VAWA Services for Africans
Empirefly Law Firm Empowers African Survivors of Domestic Violence through VAWA
Other Relief & Services
Empowering African Survivors of Domestic Violence through VAWA
At Empirefly Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping African survivors of domestic violence secure lawful permanent residency in the United States through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate and comprehensive legal guidance to ensure a successful VAWA self-petition process.
What is VAWA?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain survivors of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty to self-petition for lawful permanent residency (a green card) without the abuser’s knowledge or consent. This provision is available to both women and men who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifying Relationship:
- The applicant must have a qualifying relationship with the abuser, who must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Spouse: Married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Parent: Child (under 21 years old and unmarried) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Child: Parent of a U.S. citizen (if the parent has been abused by their U.S. citizen child).
- The applicant must have a qualifying relationship with the abuser, who must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Residence Requirement:
- The applicant must have resided with the abuser at some point.
Good Moral Character:
- The applicant must demonstrate good moral character.
Abuse or Extreme Cruelty:
- The applicant must provide evidence of having been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the abuser.
VAWA Self-Petition Process
Gather Supporting Evidence:
- Compile evidence demonstrating the qualifying relationship, residence with the abuser, good moral character, and instances of abuse or extreme cruelty. This may include police reports, medical records, affidavits from witnesses, and other relevant documents.
File Form I-360:
- Submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the supporting evidence and documentation.
Prima Facie Determination:
- USCIS may issue a prima facie determination, which provides temporary protection and access to certain benefits while the self-petition is being processed.
Approval of Form I-360:
- If the Form I-360 is approved, the applicant can then proceed to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to obtain a green card.
Adjustment of Status:
- File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and attend any required interviews. Upon approval, the applicant will be granted lawful permanent residency.
Why Choose Empirefly Law Firm?
Expert Legal Guidance:
- Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling VAWA cases and provide personalized advice tailored to the unique needs of survivors of domestic violence.
Comprehensive Support:
- We offer support at every step of the VAWA self-petition process, from gathering evidence to filing petitions and preparing for interviews.
Proven Success:
- Our firm has a strong track record of successfully helping African survivors of domestic violence obtain lawful permanent residency through VAWA.
Client-Centered Approach:
- We are committed to making the VAWA self-petition process as smooth and stress-free as possible, offering compassionate and reliable support throughout your journey.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to start your VAWA self-petition? Contact Empirefly Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goal of securing a safe and stable future in the United States.
Keywords: VAWA, Violence Against Women Act, U.S. residency for survivors, domestic violence immigration services, Empirefly Law Firm, U.S. immigration lawyer, VAWA eligibility, VAWA self-petition.
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