Our experienced team at the Immigration Support Center believes in simple, effective and solutions to your immigration problems. Check out our services to see what we are offering.
- 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 400, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- [email protected]
- Call us: +1 (917) 340-3590
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by:
1. A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse;
2. A U.S. citizen parent;
3. A U.S. citizen son or daughter;
4. A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse; or
5. An LPR parent.
VAWA legally allows women to escape spousal abuse of any nature (domestic, sexual, physical, emotional or psychological abuse,), whose legal immigration status may depend on maintaining their relationship with their abusive spouse. Since its enactment, VAWA has been expanded to protect male and female spouses, children, parents and even undocumented immigrants. Naturally and unfortunately, undocumented immigrants may be hesitant to come forward and seek help due to fear of deportation, which abusers may know and furhter threaten or control their victims.
If you are in an abusive relationship, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to find information about shelters and other types of assistance in your area.
After filing an application, you will receive Prima Facie Determination Notice, which is valid for 150 days and allows you to receive government benefits available to victims of domestic violence. If your application is approved, you (1) may file for Employment Authorization to receive work permission in the United States, (2) may be eligible to file for a green card. If your application is approved and you do not have legal immigraiton status, you may be placed in deferred action by the U.S. government, which allows you to remain in the U.S. Afterwards, you ( and your children if they were included in your application) may file for work authorization.