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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They are worth every penny, they take the time to know their clients and provide excellent service. They have great people working there and I highly recommend using this firm.- Shoshanna A.
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Karen Winston helped me secure a visa for my fiancee to come to the USA in 2018, and now her team has delivered once again with a visa for my sibling. I was so relaxed because they had everything taken care of.- Emmanuel O.
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We never felt like we were alone in this process. Elizabeth, who was our paralegal point-of-contact, was awesome. She was our support through the process and we are very grateful for her and her hard work.- Beily G.
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"Thank you Attorney Karen and team from the bottom of our hearts!"
It’s with the GREATEST joy that we are sending this note of appreciation. I can confirm that both my mother and father have been approved and have their VISAS in hand!! Truly, God has heard our cries.. our prayers and our faith! He is SO good!! He makes the impossible possible and this is our testimony. We want to thank you Attorney Karen and team from the bottom of our hearts! Your entire team and even your families who I am sure have seen your hard work and dedication firsthand. I can’t wait for us to see each other in person along with my parents to thank you face to face!! This has been such a long journey, and it could not have been possible without you!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Now that my parents have their visas, can I finally bring them home with me?!?!? Ahh! So exciting!!- Jaziel O.
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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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