In 1994 the United States passed a new law known as the Violence Against Women Act. The objective of this law was to protect women from violence and sexual abuse and to provide funding and resources to that end. VAWA also granted certain protections to immigrant or foreign-born women who were experiencing abuse.
Like all women, immigrant women are at a high risk of domestic abuse. However, due to their immigration status these women have few resources available to them to escape abusive relationships. VAWA creates special routes to immigration status for non-citizen women in abusive relationships. However, these paths to actually achieving citizenship can be difficult to understand and pursue, which is why it is so important to have an experienced Chicago immigration lawyer to help. Here is how to obtain citizenship through VAWA.
Self-Petition
A battered spouse or child may apply for citizenship through a self-petitioning process without the knowledge of their abuser. The VAWA petition, formally known as Form I-360 Self-Petition, must be filed with supporting documentation.
Evidence
Extensive evidence must gathered in order to obtain citizenship via this route. This evidence includes but is not limited to proof of abuse, police records, hospital records, proof of living with abuser, proof of residence, proof of legal ties to abuser, and proof that the abuser is a citizen or green card holder. Gathering and presenting this evidence to USCIS will determine your eligibility for citizenship under VAWA.
Chicago Immigration Lawyer
Because of the sensitive nature of VAWA cases it is important that you have the right team on your side to help you gain citizenship as soon as possible. Having a Chicago immigration lawyer to help you will be the greatest asset to your case. Din Law LLC specializes in helping domestic abuse victims escape their abuser without fear of deportation. Contact us right away to get your case started.
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