The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a powerful government program that offers many different protections to survivors of domestic abuse. One of this framework’s most significant reliefs is providing a pathway toward lawful permanent residency for anyone who can demonstrate that they suffered at the hands of an abusive partner or family member. The process can be challenging to navigate, but skilled legal counsel could help an applicant overcome any hurdles.
If you are the survivor of domestic abuse and are looking for a way to permanently reside in the United States, you should consider submitting a VAWA application in Doraville. A detail-oriented immigration lawyer could help you gather the information you need to file a successful claim.
Who is Eligible to Apply for VAWA Relief?
The most important part of a VAWA immigration application is demonstrating that an individual is the survivor of serious domestic abuse. There are many different kinds of violence and mistreatment that could qualify an immigrant for this program. For instance, an individual could be either physically abused or emotionally damaged. A partner or family member could have hit them, threatened to call immigration on them, or repeatedly locked them out of their homes.
Regardless of the type of abuse a migrant suffers, applicants under VAWA must verify their mistreatment in court if they want Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve their application. Examples of common evidence used to demonstrate abuse include:
- Witness testimonies
- Medical records
- Therapist notes
- Phone or text conversations
- Police records
- Signed statements of their own word
A survivor should try and keep record of all domestic abuse they suffer because this information could help a diligent attorney in Doraville assemble a persuasive VAWA application.
The VAWA Application Process
The procedure for submitting a valid VAWA application can be problematic, but carefully adhering to the rules of the process can strengthen a submission. An applicant will begin by filing Form I-360 and attaching any evidence about the relevant domestic abuse.
After an immigrant files this document, USCIS will adjudicate it. The agency will examine all aspects of the application to either approve or deny it. If USCIS approves the application, a foreign national can fill out Form I-485 to adjust their legal residency status.
In some instances, USCIS might ask an individual for more information before they approve a VAWA request. The organization would issue a ‘request for evidence’ document that outlines exactly what they believe is missing from an application. The agency would then state how long an immigrant has to make these changes.
A savvy lawyer in Doraville could help the survivor of domestic abuse navigate the VAWA application process or remedy a rejected petition.
Consult an Attorney About the VAWA Application in Doraville
All survivors of domestic abuse deserve freedom and the chance to start over. Fortunately, the powerful VAWA program offers many different forms of assistance. Even though USCIS can take anywhere from six months to two years to approve an application, this legal strategy is worth careful consideration.
You should consult a tenacious lawyer for assistance with the VAWA application in Doraville. A seasoned attorney could help gather evidence about your suffering and assist with submitting the petition correctly. Reach out to the office today to learn more about your options.
