VAWA – Violence Against Women Act
PPID provides legal counsel to those seeking a U.S. Green Card under the VAWA Act.
Our attorneys provide online and face-to-face legal consultations. Establishing a relationship and clearly understanding your needs is a critical first step toward success.
We speak Spanish, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian, Hindi, Punjabi, and more. We go above and beyond to make sure that language is never a barrier between us and our clients.
VAWA – Violence Against Women Act was crafted in response to violent crimes against women, particularly domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
There are two paths available under VAWA, Self-petition and as a child of the principal applicant. PPID Immigration attorneys help you navigate the process and VAWA requirement.
You may self-petition under VAWA by filing a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360) without your abusive family member’s knowledge or consent. A person who files a VAWA self-petition is generally known as a VAWA self-petitioner. If your self-petition is approved and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
Unmarried children of a VAWA-based principal applicant, who are under 21 years old, may be eligible to apply for a Green Card as a derivative family member.
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by:
- A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse.
- A U.S. citizen parent.
- A U.S. citizen son or daughter.
- A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse.
- An LPR parent.
VAWA applies equally to victims of either sex. A man may also file a VAWA Petition.
Connection to U Visas: One of the provisions in VAWA enables non-citizen victims of serious crimes and domestic violence, to apply for a U visa if they’ve been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This provides a potential pathway to legal status for victims who might otherwise fear deportation if they report abuse. PPID provides guidance in obtaining U Visas.
