Is VAWA Right For You? Find Out How It Can Help

american flag with USCIS form

    The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows noncitizens who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member to apply for legal status independently, without the knowledge or assistance of their spouse. You don’t need your abuser’s help or approval to take control of your immigration case.   To…

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The Kindness of Strangers

hands reaching each other

  As we continue to navigate the complexities of immigration law, I am constantly reminded of the kindness that exists in the world—particularly the kindness of strangers. Time and time again, we witness people stepping up to help those they barely know, often making life-changing differences for others. This quarter, I want to share a…

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Employment-Based Visa Number Unavailability for FY2024

Visa

  As of September 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) confirmed that all visa numbers in the employment-based (EB) categories for fiscal year 2024 (FY2024) have been used. This includes EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EW (other workers), EB-4, and EB-5 (unreserved) visas. No more immigrant visas or green cards will be issued in these…

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Annulment vs. Divorce: What’s Best for Your VAWA Application?

couple ring

    If you’re applying for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may wonder whether you should get an annulment or a divorce. This decision can impact your VAWA case, as the legal difference between the two can affect your eligibility.   An annulment legally voids a marriage, making it as though…

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I Am Still Living With My Abusive Spouse. Can I qualify for VAWA?

depressed woman

    Many people believe that they must be physically separated (or divorced) from their abusive spouse to qualify for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). However, this is not true. VAWA protects non-citizen spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are victims of abuse, even if they…

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Understanding the T Visa Process

man carries bricks on his back

The T Visa offers protection and legal status in the United States for victims of human trafficking, including those exploited by employers through forced labor. This visa is intended for individuals who have been coerced into working under harsh conditions, often without proper compensation.   To qualify for a T Visa, applicants must show that…

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How To Win A VAWA Case?

approved petition form

  Winning a VAWA case involves careful preparation and clear documentation. VAWA provides protection for survivors of domestic violence, allowing them to apply for legal status without relying on their abuser. Most VAWA cases handled by our firm involve spousal abuse.  To be eligible to file a successful VAWA based on an abusive marriage, you…

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Court Injunction Pauses Approval of Parole in Place Applications

judge gavel

The Parole in Place program, which allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request temporary lawful presence and receive a green card without first leaving the country, is experiencing major disruptions. Although applications can still be filed, no approvals will be issued during this period. This could result in delays and uncertainty…

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Client Wins: Green Card Approval Based on VAWA!

green card with the image of atty Agarwal

We are pleased to share a recent success story! Another one of our clients has received Green Card approval through a VAWA self-petition. This marks a significant step toward securing their permanent residency and independence in the United States.   VAWA provides a way for immigrant survivors of domestic violence to apply for a Green…

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Do I Have to Testify About Abuse When I File a VAWA?

court room with judges and court gavel

  Filing a VAWA self-petition can raise concerns, particularly about whether you’ll need to testify about the abuse you experienced. Fortunately, when applying for VAWA, you do not have to testify in court and, in most cases, do not have to discuss the abuse in person with USCIS officers.  The process is designed to protect…

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10.0Pratibha Kanive Agarwal
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Agarwal Law Group

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