Immigration Lawyer in Gainesville, Florida
Debunking 5 Myths About the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitions
- The abuse must be physical. One requirement to qualify under VAWA is that the petitioner has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty. Domestic violence may be physical, but verbal abuse or emotional abuse are also forms of domestic violence and depending on the specific circumstances, may amount to extreme cruelty.
- Only women qualify for VAWA. Men are also victims of domestic violence and if they meet the requirements for VAWA, they may qualify for a self-petition.
- There must be a police report. Although police reports will often demonstrate more than one of the requirements for VAWA such as residence with the abuser and battery or extreme cruelty, a police report is not a requirement to apply for a VAWA self-petition.
- Immigration will contact your abuser. VAWA contains several confidentiality provisions making it unlawful for the government to contact your abuser or inform them you have filed a self-petition.
- You must be married to your abuser. You may still qualify for VAWA if your petition is filed within 2 years of your divorce from your abuser. Additionally, you may qualify for VAWA if you believed you were married to your abuser, but your marriage was invalid or unlawful.
Get started with our experienced and compassionate immigration team today. Call us at (904) 740-3690 or contact us online today.
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You can tell by just one conversation that Karen and her team value being honest about your case - they aren't there to waste your time or your money and are an incredibly trustworthy team.- Seth C.
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I was scared to start my immigration process but after speaking to Ms. Winston I finally had hope to take the next step. In less than a few months, I was approved for my PIP and received my green card a few months after.- Irma P.
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They provided me with professional and friendly service. They made me feel like family. I will recommend this law firm to anyone that wants to become a citizen.- Ignatius L.
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From the first call with Karen and throughout the green card process, the steps were explained to me. They were exceptional when putting together all the documentation of my case and I got my green card without an interview.- Carina P.
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Over almost 15 years of service, Karen Winston has an impressive record of keeping families together.
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As an attorney and former law professor, Karen Winston is well-respected before USCIS, courts, and judges.
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Our dedicated team truly cares about each client, and we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.