Requirements for VAWA Applications in Huntsville

No one should ever experience abuse at the hands of a family member. When this abuse occurs while you live in a country without lawful residency status, you may think leaving the relationship means you have to leave your home. Fortunately, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a unique opportunity for non-citizens in these circumstances to pursue lawful residency status.

The USCIS enforces strict requirements for VAWA applications in Huntsville. Any mistakes or missing information could affect your chances of achieving legal status. However, you do not have to manage these challenges on your own. A dedicated attorney at Solano Law Firm could support you every step of the way.

Who Can Apply for VAWA?

To self-petition under VAWA, applicants must currently reside in the United States. They must also have experienced abuse from someone they have lived with, such as a spouse or parent. The abuser must be an American citizen or lawful permanent resident.

This abuse does not necessarily have to be physical. It can be abuse or extreme cruelty of any type, including emotional and even financial abuse. There is not necessarily a minimum requirement for how long the abuse must have been taking place, so government agencies will review the extent abuse occurred on a case-by-case basis.

Why Would Someone Be Rejected?

Rejection and denial are two different things. The USCIS may reject an application if it is not filled in properly or is missing some documents. An officer in Huntsville may deny a VAWA application when they do not believe the applicant meets all requirements. A legal professional could review someone’s circumstances during a consultation to establish whether they qualify to self-petition under VAWA. If an application is rejected, an attorney could discuss potential alternatives or next steps for applying again.

Elements of VAWA Applications

The USCIS considers many different factors when determining whether they should grant someone VAWA status. These requirements are complex and require different types of evidence as well as logistical work that a dedicated lawyer could handle on an applicant’s behalf.

Proof of Relationship With a Lawful Resident

An applicant must prove that their abuser is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. They must also provide evidence of their relationship. For example, if someone is petitioning based on an abusive spouse, they must prove they are or were in a valid marriage with that person.

Proof of Abuse

Evidence of abuse varies substantially. Evidence may include police reports, photos, or witness testimonies. In cases involving emotional abuse, there may be less physical evidence. Therapist evaluations frequently support these cases.

Good Moral Character

Another requirement in Huntsville VAWA applications is determining whether an applicant has “good moral character.” Good moral character means someone has positive character traits. This typically involves not having an extensive criminal history, not being a threat or danger to society, and generally trying to live a good life. A citation for a traffic violation, failure to pay taxes, or prior convictions on drug charges may all affect a VAWA application.

Background checks are mandatory as part of the application process. Applicants are required to submit a police clearance letter from every jurisdiction they have lived in within the past few years. They must go to their local sheriff’s office and get a letter that says they have no prior criminal history. If they do have a criminal history, they must find documents proving their cases are resolved. If an applicant does have a criminal history, our attorneys could file additional positive information to balance any past issues.

Learn More About the Requirements for VAWA Applications From a Huntsville Attorney

If you or someone you love has experienced abuse or extreme cruelty from a partner, parent, or child who is a citizen or resident, you should seek legal counsel. There may be opportunities to achieve working status in the United States and become financially independent. If you need help understanding or meeting the requirements for VAWA applications in Huntsville, do not hesitate to call Solano Law Firm.