Montgomery Immigrant Abuse Lawyer

Immigrating to the United States can be a complex and difficult process under the best of circumstances. Unfortunately, many people seeking a path to immigrate to the United States also face additional hardships like domestic violence.

Facing abuse is traumatic on its own. Facing abuse at the hands of the person sponsoring your entry into the country is even more difficult. The good news is that a seasoned immigration attorney could help you apply for a visa without the help of your abuser. Talk to A Montgomery immigrant abuse lawyer about pursuing your immigration case on your own.

Signs of Domestic Abuse

Immigrants in abusive relationships might show numerous physical signs of abuse, but it can be challenging to identify these signs, especially when abuse has been ongoing for years. Understanding the possible signs of domestic abuse is important for anyone going through the immigration process. Some potential indicators of mistreatment include:

• Isolation from friends and family members
• Withdrawal of petitions by abusive family members
• Signs of physical abuse
• Harassment at work
• Threats of violence

Anyone experiencing or noticing these signs should work with a compassionate Montgomery attorney to fight against harmful abuse from the immigrant’s sponsor.

U-Visas and Immigrant Abuse

Immigrants that suffer abuse are often afraid to come forward and help law, out of fear of deportation and removal. This reality puts undocumented immigrants at greater risk of abuse. To combat this, the federal government adopted a type of visa that allows the victims of abuse to help law enforcement investigate the crimes committed against them without fear of deportation. This immigration permit is known as a U visa. 

The U visa does not apply to victims of every type of criminal offense. However, it is an option in cases of serious abuse like stalking, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and felony assault. To qualify for a U visa, an applicant must assist law enforcement with an investigation into the abuse and provide evidence of this cooperation.

Permanent Residency and the Violence Against Women Act

A U visa is not the only option available to victims of abuse that intend to immigrate to the United States. Since 2008, the federal government has provided victims of domestic abuse with a path to lawful residency in the U.S., even when their sponsor is responsible for these acts of abuse. These individuals are protected by the Violence Against Women Act.

An immigrant that suffers abuse at the hands of a citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor is at greater risk of abuse, since reporting the abuse could impact their own immigration case. Thankfully, the Violence Against Women Act gives these victims a path to self-petition without the consent or knowledge of the abusive spouse or family member.

There are challenges that come with seeking entry into the United States in this way. Thankfully, immigrants facing abuse have the option of contacting a Montgomery lawyer for help with the process.

Contact a Montgomery Immigrant Abuse Attorney Immediately

You deserve to be treated with respect and live free from abuse, regardless of your immigration status. If you are living with abuse that impacts your ability to enter or remain in the county, now is the time to seek legal help.

A Montgomery immigrant abuse lawyer could provide you with the advocacy you deserve. Reach out today to learn more.