NYC VAWA Immigration Attorney (Brooklyn, Manhattan)

Women have been abused for centuries. In the United States, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), protecting women from their abusers under a process of confidentiality. Immigrants too often are afraid to report their abuser because of fear of deportation. But you too are eligible for this basic human right. Contact Kats Immigration Law for a VAWA immigration lawyer near me in NYC and begin the process of securing your and your family’s safety.

What Is a VAWA Immigration Attorney?

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2022, you may qualify for a VAWA immigration lawyer. VAWA lawyers help you seek protection and relief if you’ve experienced domestic violence or abuse by a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. VAWA allows you to self-petition for a green card without your abuser’s knowledge. Visas that fall under the VAWA immigration claim also include:

• T visas
• U visas

A VAWA lawyer helps secure immigration status independently by representing you throughout the legal process. The role and responsibilities of a VAWA lawyer include:

• Assessing whether you qualify for VAWA relief
• Preparing and filing Form I-360 with your supporting documents
• Assisting in collecting and organizing your evidence and ensuring that it meets requirements
• Preparing for your interview with how to answer likely questions
• Filing appeals and denials if your application gets rejected

If you’re an immigrant victim of domestic violence, take help from a VAWA lawyer near me in New York City at Kats Immigration Law. Led by VAWA immigration lawyer Alina Kats, the firm has a solid reputation for securing your safety and legal status. Plus, if you can’t make the initial consultation in person, you can book a virtual consultation with their exceptional VAWA lawyers in New York City.

Am I Eligible for VAWA Protection under Immigration Law?

Whether you’re a spouse or former spouse, an unmarried or child under 21 years old or a parent of a U.S. resident who has been abusive towards you, even if you’re divorced from your abuser, you can still file within two years of the divorce if it was connected to the abuse under VAWA. Other factors that determine your eligibility include:

• Proof of abuse. You must provide evidence of physical violence, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse or financial control by your family member.
• Shared residence. You must have lived with your abusive family member at some point.
• Good moral character. You must prove that you are a person of good moral character with no criminal record.
• Time restrictions. If your abusive U.S. citizen has died, you can still file for VAWA relief within two years of their death.

Your VAWA petitions remain confidential, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes the necessary steps to protect your information from your abuser. You must collect all evidence and documentation to support your claim, which may include:

• Police reports
• Official medical records
• Photographs of injuries
• Affidavits from your friends and family

You can file a VAWA petition on your own, but you’re better served by hiring a VAWA immigration lawyer. Your attorney prepares a stronger case, ensures all documentation is in order and represents you throughout the process, improving your odds of success.

What Are Common Challenges with VAWA Applications and How Does a VAWA Immigration Attorney Overcome Them?

You may not know what specific types of evidence are required for your VAWA application, or how to obtain them. This often leads to an incomplete or weak application. You may not be aware of all the documents needed to prove good moral character or how to effectively present this information. Done on your own, these legal complexities increase the risk of making mistakes that could affect your case. You may struggle to keep the confidentiality of your application. Your VAWA attorney overcomes these challenges by:

• Providing guidance
• Completing and collection complicated forms and documentation
• Helping you overcome fear of retaliation from your abuser
• Ensuring confidentiality
• Overcoming language barriers if English isn’t your first language
• Relaying recent changes in state immigration law
• Facing legal proceedings

Your VAWA immigration lawyer near me in NYC also helps you gather and organize any additional documents. They obtain your police clearance certificates and affidavits from community members to support your claim. They ensure that all forms are submitted on time.

What Specific Protections and Benefits Can I Get with VAWA Immigration?

All your communications with USCIS and your attorney are kept secret to protect your privacy; your abuser is not notified about your petition. If your VAWA self-petition is approved, you may be eligible for work authorization, which allows you to legally work in the United States. Other VAWA benefits include:

• Path to permanent residency
• Protections for your children and parents
• Adjustment of status
• Protection from deportation 

You can also get public benefits like housing assistance and medical care, but eligibility for these benefits varies by state. Whether you visit their offices in Brooklyn or Manhattan, you can find the best VAWA lawyer near me in NYC who knows the local immigration benefits. Contact Kats Immigration Law in NYC to begin a chapter in your life if:

• You’re a victim of trafficking and you need help getting a T visa
• You’re forced into a qualifying criminal activity and you’re looking for a U visa lawyer
• You have no idea what type of help you need to aid your immigration into the U.S.