Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

At the Messer Law Group, LLC, we are deeply passionate about supporting “Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)” Victims. Mr. Messer was taught as a child and throughout his life that you never strike a woman, child or parent; and that you must always treat them with love and kindness. You do not deserve to live in fear of your spouse holding your immigration status over your head, as they continue to threaten, abuse or administer violence. OUR FIRM IS COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU ESCAPE THIS SITUATION, AND GAIN PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN THE UNITED STATES, UNDER VAWA!

The family-based immigration process generally requires U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to file a petition for their noncitizen family members. Some petitioners may misuse the immigration process to further abuse their noncitizen family members by threatening to withhold or withdraw the petition in order to control, coerce, and intimidate them.

With the passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) and its subsequent reauthorizations, Congress provided noncitizens who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative the ability to independently petition for themselves (self-petition) for immigrant classification without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation in the immigration process. This allows victims to seek both safety and independence from their abusers.

Spouses and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 years of age or older, may file a self-petition for immigrant classification with USCIS. A noncitizen filing the self-petition is generally known as a VAWA self-petitioner. If USCIS approves the self-petition, VAWA self-petitioners may seek legal permanent residence and obtain a Green Card. This can be done either by consular processing if the approved self-petitioner is outside the United States or by applying for adjustment of status if the approved self-petitioner is in the United States.

Get Help

Help and support is available to victims of domestic violence through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY). The hotline provides immediate assistance and support, and the website has information about local resources, shelters, medical and mental health services, legal help, and other types of assistance. For more information, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.