If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and your spouse is abusive, you do not have to wait for them to file an I-130 petition. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses to apply for a Green Card on their own without their spouse’s involvement. Many abusers use the immigration process as control, either by refusing to file an I-130 or making threats about it. VAWA provides an alternative path to legal status and does not require the assistance or sponsorship of your spouse.

 

 

An I-130 petition is used by U.S. citizens and LPRs to sponsor family members for a Green Card. If your spouse has filed or promised to file an I-130 but is abusive, you can still apply for VAWA. To qualify, you must show that you entered the marriage in good faith, lived with your spouse, and experienced abuse. Most of our firm’s successful VAWA applicants have suffered various forms of emotional abuse.  Many do not experience physical abuse.  The process is confidential, and your spouse will not be notified.

 

If your spouse has already filed an I-130 but continues to be abusive, you do not have to rely on them to complete the process. Filing a VAWA self-petition allows you to move forward independently and avoid further risk.

 

If you need help with a VAWA petition, our team can guide you. Contact Agarwal Law Group at 703-348-1663 for a confidential consultation.