VAWA Petitioning For U.S. Residency

Brief History of VAWA:

The Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA) was created to support victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. VAWA was established in 1994. Since its introduction to law, it has significantly boosted the effectiveness of responses to violence against women and has been continuously reformed. In 2013 the most recent reauthorization of VAWA came along with the inclusion of various marginalized groups, including immigrants. Thus, the institutionalization of VAWA is also a huge step toward protecting non-U.S. citizens who are victims of domestic violence. VAWA supports noncitizen victims of an abusive spouse or parent by offering a channel for self-petitioning for a Green Card. It should be noted that the Violence Against Women Act applies to both men and women.

What Can Our Plainfield, NJ Firm Help You With?

While it is not technically required to be represented by a lawyer to file a VAWA application, it is strongly recommended. The VAWA petition process is complicated and lengthy. Becoming confused and delaying the process will only lead to further frustration and potential troubles down the road.

It can be highly supportive for your case when you hire a skilled VAWA immigration attorney to handle your VAWA petition process. A VAWA application lawyer will assist in crafting persuasive and deliberate declarations from witnesses testifying to your violent or abusive situation. One of the experts at our Plainfield office will also ensure that you have a robust application that includes concrete evidence and organized details and facts about your abuse. In addition, VAWA immigration petitions often require you to request information and documents from an abuser. Having a professional third-party handle these requests will alleviate you from enduring unneeded contact with your abuser.

A VAWA application lawyer will also collect the necessary documentation for your application. Documentation that may support your case can include domestic violence shelter paperwork, medical records, restraining orders, or reports from counselors or therapists. A skilled VAWA immigration attorney will help you develop a powerful personal statement describing the abuse. We take victimization cases very seriously and are dedicated to making your voice as loud as possible. If you are an immigrant victim of an abusive relationship with a parent or spouse, you have options with the Law Offices of Patrick C. McGuinness, LLC.

Take Your First Steps With Law Offices of Patrick C. McGuinness

Victims of abusive relationships often hesitate to accept help due to fear of retaliation, being judged, or not being believed. The attorneys at Law Offices of Patrick C. McGuinness, LLC have a client-focused and compassionate approach that will go a long way in helping you feel comfortable taking these brave legal steps. The VAWA application process is confidential, meaning that all personally identifying information will not be revealed or disclosed, even if the data has been encoded or protected. However, if a victim tells details of an abusive or violent situation without seeking VAWA services, the Confidentiality Provision does not apply. Let our VAWA immigration attorney help you get through this process with confidence, from start to finish.