☝The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed into law in 1994 with the aim of providing protection and resources to victims of domestic violence, including immigrants. One of the most important provisions of VAWA is the I-360 petition, which allows certain victims of abuse to self-petition for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status without the assistance of their abusive spouse or family member.

The VAWA I-360 petition is available to the following categories of individuals:

✅Abused spouses: Spouses of U.S. citizens or LPRs who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by their spouse may self-petition for LPR status.

✅Abused children: Children of abusive U.S. citizens or LPRs who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by their parents may self-petition for LPR status.

✅Abused parents: Parents of abusive U.S. citizens may self-petition for LPR status if they have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen child.

To be eligible for a VAWA self-petition, the victim must show that they have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child. Battery or extreme cruelty can include physical violence, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or other forms of abuse.

Once the VAWA self-petition is approved, the victim can apply for adjustment of status (if they are in the United States) or an immigrant visa (if they are outside the United States) to become an LPR. In some cases, the victim may also be eligible for work authorization while their petition is pending.

👉One of the most important aspects of the VAWA self-petition is that it allows victims of abuse to apply for LPR status without the assistance of their abusive spouse or family member. This is particularly important in cases where the abuser has threatened to withdraw support or report the victim to immigration authorities if they attempt to leave the abusive relationship. The VAWA self-petition allows victims to take control of their own immigration status and seek protection from abuse without fear of reprisals from their abuser.

It’s important to note that VAWA self-petitions are confidential and the abuser is not notified that the victim has filed a petition. In addition, VAWA self-petitions are not dependent on the abuser’s cooperation or approval.

▶In conclusion, the VAWA I-360 self-petition is an important tool for victims of domestic violence who are also immigrants. It provides a way for victims to seek protection from abuse and obtain LPR status without the assistance of their abusive spouse or family member. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and is also an immigrant, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the VAWA self-petition process.

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Shepelsky Law Group, Immigration Lawyers for all 50 states

☎ : (718) 769-6352

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers protection and resources to victims of domestic violence, including immigrants. The VAWA I-360 petition is a crucial provision that allows certain victims of abuse to self-petition for lawful permanent resident status without the assistance of their abusive spouse or family member. Eligible categories include abused spouses, children, and parents. To be eligible, victims must demonstrate that they have suffered from battery or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child. VAWA self-petitions are confidential, and the abuser is not notified. This allows victims to seek protection from abuse and obtain LPR status without the fear of reprisals from their abuser. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and is also an immigrant, contact an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the VAWA self-petition process. Contact Shepelsky Law Group, Immigration Lawyers for all 50 states at (718) 769-6352.