Phoenix Violence Against Women Act Attorneys
Helping VAWA Victims Obtain Legal Immigration Status in Arizona
At Essien Law Firm, we are deeply passionate about supporting Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) victims. You do not deserve to live in fear of your spouse holding your immigration status over your head as they threaten abuse and violence. Our firm is committed to taking on VAWA cases and has a personal connection to immigration law. We will provide the empathetic and devoted legal representation you need to seek permanent residency in the US under VAWA.
Understanding the VAWA process is crucial for those affected by domestic abuse. Our legal team will guide you through each step, ensuring that you know your rights and options. We provide comprehensive assistance in gathering necessary documentation, preparing your case diligently, and supporting you emotionally and legally. With our profound knowledge of immigration law, we advocate fiercely on your behalf, focusing on attaining a safe and secure outcome that aligns with your goals.
What Is VAWA?
The Violence Against Women Act was passed by Congress in 1994 and allows non-US citizens to obtain lawful permanent residency status without an abusive spouse’s sponsorship. This means victims of domestic abuse by a spouse or relative who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) do not need their abusive partner to sponsor their petition for permanent residency. The law arose in response to abusive spouses holding sponsorship as a token of threat or retaliation against victims of violence.
In order to qualify for permanent residency status under VAWA, you must have experienced some form or threat of domestic abuse. In the context of the law, domestic violence is any physical or sexual violence, as well as emotional abuse or verbal threats of violence, prompting fear of imminent violence, against a family or household member.
Examples of domestic violence victims include:
- current or former spouses;
- parents or children;
- grandparents or grandchildren;
- dating or romantic partners;
- cohabitants;
- relatives by blood or marriage.
If you need help applying for a VAWA visa, contact Essien Immigration Law for a VAWA immigration lawyer in Phoenix at (602) 833-2650.
Immigration Relief Options
There are a few forms of relief for abused spouses or relatives under VAWA:
- Self-petition – You may self-petition for lawful permanent residency status if the abuser is: (i) a US citizen or LPR spouse; (ii) a US citizen or LPR spouse who has abused your child; (iii) a US citizen or LPR parent or stepparent; or (iv) an adult child of a US citizen.
- File a battered spouse or child waiver – This waiver is for battered spouses who have conditional legal permanent residency, such as for marriages that have not exceeded 2 years. This also allows abused children of US citizens or LPRs to seek relief.
- File a Cancellation of Removal – This is for immigrants (including children) already in removal (deportation) proceedings who can demonstrate that their US citizen or LPR spouse abused them.
Understanding these options is vital for knowing how to proceed effectively in your unique situation. Essien Immigration Law can help you determine which form of relief is most suitable for your circumstances. Our firm offers in-depth consultations to explore every step of these processes, ensuring that you meet each requirement and deadline to maximize your chances for a positive outcome.
Contact us for a consultation at (602) 833-2650 or via message, and let the lawyer who was once an immigrant fight for you.
-
24/7 Availability
-
Unique Perspective
-
Hardworking
-
Relatable
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prove Abuse for a VAWA Case?
Proving abuse in a VAWA case requires evidence like testimonials, medical records, and reports. A VAWA immigration attorney at Essien Immigration Law can support you in gathering comprehensive documentation while ensuring your emotional well-being with compassionate guidance.
What Legal Protections Does VAWA Offer?
VAWA offers protections like self-petitioning for residency, the battered spouse waiver, and filing for Cancellation of Removal during deportation. A VAWA immigration attorney in Phoenix can guide you through these options, ensuring independence and safety while tailoring solutions to your situation.
How Is VAWA Handled?
VAWA cases in Phoenix require an understanding of federal and local nuances, including multicultural considerations. A VAWA immigration lawyer at Essien Immigration Law leverages local court expertise and addresses challenges like language barriers and social service integration to effectively advocate for you.
Let Us Help You
VAWA offers domestic violence victims the chance to lead independent lives as legal permanent residents without having to rely on their abusive spouse or relative. However, VAWA cases are not easy to resolve, and they will require the skill and knowledge of an experienced attorney.
Essien Law Firm can take a closer look at your case to determine your eligibility for VAWA and what legal options you have for relief. We are personally committed to supporting you through this difficult time, and we will do our best to guide you toward the most efficient and appropriate solution. Whether you are seeking safety for yourself or your children, our firm is here to help. We can help you petition for permanent residency without your abusive spouse’s approval or help you file a Cancellation of Removal amid a removal proceeding against you.
Locating a knowledgeable attorney in Phoenix can be challenging, but it’s crucial for navigating the complexities of your case. Our local insight and considerable experience with VAWA proceedings ensure that your case is handled with personal attention and professional regard. We stay updated on local and federal immigration laws, using this knowledge to your advantage as we fight to secure your future.
Put an empathetic and assertive VAWA lawyer on your side. Essien Law Firm will fight tirelessly for you until you are safe. Contact our firm for a free consultation to get started.
Our Clients Say It Best
Read Testimonials From Our Past Clients
-
She is caring, patient, knowledgeable, professional and very detail oriented.- Adriana S.
-
Immigration is very complicated and you need an intelligent attorney to represent you, Lelia is that attorney.- Phillis M.
-
I have to admit that I was really impressed by the way she handle the case to bring it to a successful outcome in a very short period of time.- Elie Z.
-
If you are looking for real care knowledgeable, experience, compassionate, fight for her clients this is the law firm.- Patricia H.