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IMMIGRATION VAWA
(VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT)

A VAWA-based petition is a self-petition for lawful residence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). With this option the immigrant victim of domestic violence may file a green card petition for themselves (and their children), without the abuser's knowledge.
 
Here are a few of the most common questions we receive regarding filing a
self-petition based on VAWA:

DO I QUALIFY FOR VAWA IF I WAS NOT PHYSICALLY ABUSED?
Yes. Physical abuse is not the requisite form of abuse for VAWA petitions. Abuse is defined broadly under U.S. immigration laws and encompasses many types of abuse such as acts of psychological, verbal, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. Many times, victims of non-physical abuse may not recognize that they are victims.
 
Attorney Peterkin is trained to properly screen for and recognize acts of abuse. She has years of experience filing successful VAWA cases to properly expound on, document, and advocate that the victim has satisfied all the legal requirements of a VAWA case.

WILL MY SPOUSE FIND OUT THAT I'VE FILED A VAWA PETITION?

The VAWA application process is confidential. USCIS is legally forbidden from sharing the information found in VAWA petitions. Additionally, you are allowed to designate a safe mailing address to which USCIS will send all of your correspondence.

CAN I FILE A VAWA PETITION IF I DO NOT HAVE A POLICE REPORT?
Yes. While a police report would be beneficial in a VAWA case, it is not required. In fact, it is very common that police reports are absent in VAWA filings. Victims of domestic violence often suffer alone and in silence. There are many reasons that prevent a victim from reporting their abuse to law enforcement including fear of retaliation and economic reasons.

In the context of immigrant victims, they have the compounded fear of deportation and permanent separation from their children. There are other ways to document the abuse.  An attorney experienced in filing VAWA cases can work with you to overcome evidential hurdles. 

CAN I STILL QUALIFY FOR VAWA IF I AM DIVORCED FROM MY ABUSER? ?

Yes, you can file a VAWA petition while you are still married to your abuser, or if your marriage to your abuser was terminated within 2 years prior to the date of filing the VAWA petition and you can demonstrate a connection to the abuse and the termination of the marriage.

To schedule a case evaluation to determine your eligibility to self-petition for permanent residence under VAWA, call us at 321-325-1125 or send us a message through our company website.

Immigration VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) - VAWA Attorney in Florida

At The Law Office of S.A. Peterkin, we are committed to helping victims of abuse secure their immigration status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). As a dedicated VAWA attorney in Florida, we provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support to individuals who have suffered domestic violence, ensuring they receive the protection and stability they deserve.

 

Our approach begins with a confidential and sensitive consultation to understand the unique circumstances and needs of each client. We gather detailed information to build a strong case, highlighting the abuse suffered and the qualifying relationship with the abuser. Our team meticulously prepares the VAWA self-petition, ensuring all necessary evidence and documentation are accurately compiled to support the claim.

 

Throughout the process, we prioritize our clients' safety and well-being. We maintain open and respectful communication, keeping clients informed about their case progress and providing reassurance during this challenging time. Our Legal Team is adept at navigating the complexities of VAWA cases, offering expert guidance and unwavering support every step of the way.

 

At The Law Office of S.A. Peterkin, we understand the profound impact that obtaining a VAWA self-petition approval can have on an individual's life. Our goal is to empower survivors of abuse by securing their legal status and providing them with the opportunity to build a safer, more stable future. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality legal services tailored to meet the specific needs of each VAWA client.

NEED A CONSULTATION TODAY? 

FOR ALL YOUR IMMIGRATION LAW NEEDS

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