Immigration Lawyer in Gainesville, Florida
5 Common 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 serval 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) 590-2689 or contact us online today.
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Karen made me feel at home. My process is complete and approved thanks to her professionalism. I’ve noticed how respected she is even inside the USCIS building. She was very professional and friendly with me.- Paulo C.
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Pleasure working with the Law Office of Karen Winston on this occasion.
- Michael S. -
Karen and her staff are absolutely incredible. They were able to secure my green card even though my case was very complicated. Their preparation was immaculate and I avoided a face-to-face interview with INS.- Vincent W.
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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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