Los Angeles VAWA Attorneys

Helping Abuse Victims Stay in the Country

Navigating immigration law can be difficult enough without suffering from an abusive spouse, child, or parent. When you are the victim of abuse, you must deal with additional emotional trauma while trying to navigate the immigration process. An immigration lawyer can be an excellent resource and guide as you seek lawful permanent residency or upgraded status without the help of your abusive relative.

Thankfully, immigration law permits abuse victims to seek legal status through self-petitioning. This rule falls under the Violence Against Women Act, which applies to men, women, and children. Eligible individuals can obtain many legal benefits, including avoiding removal proceedings.

For help with this and other immigration matters, please seek legal representation from an immigration law firm like the Law Office of Nancy Reyes Guarderas, A.P.C. We represent clients seeking a better life, including those trying to escape abusive situations. Our legal team of Los Angeles VAWA lawyers has extensive experience finding creative immigration solutions to help you achieve legal residence or United States citizenship despite your abuse. Contact our law firm immediately at 818-649-2720 to learn more.

What is the Violence Against Women Act?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed in 1994 in an attempt to protect women from various crimes, such as dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and emotional abuse. The law protects US citizens and potential immigrants alike. Immigration law is impacted by VAWA in that abuse victims gain additional benefits due to physical, psychological, or emotional abuse.

Where a person would usually need sponsorship from a US citizen or legal permanent resident, abuse victims, including men, women, and children, may self-petition under VAWA. Furthermore, bars to adjustment that apply to most immigrants may be waived for those who qualify under VAWA, especially unlawful entry.

Obtaining permanent legal status, or a green card, can lead to many benefits, including lawful residence, work authorization, and bringing your immediate family members into the country legally. To learn more about VAWA and see if you qualify, please speak to an immigration attorney at our law firm immediately. We are happy to discuss your unique situation and find a solution that best matches your needs.

Who Qualifies for Benefits Under VAWA?

Individuals may be eligible for a green card under VAWA laws if they are married to or are the child or parent of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident who abused them. Many individuals have a difficult time proving their relationship and the existence of abuse to qualify under VAWA.

However, a skilled Los Angeles immigration lawyer like Abogada Nancy can help gather evidence that you lived with your abusive family member and suffered physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse.

Some examples of abuse that would make a person eligible under VAWA include some or all of the following:

Harming you physically, including kicking, punching, grabbing, biting, or hitting you
Emotionally abusing you, which includes using demeaning language in private or in public
Forcing you to perform sexual acts against your will or sexually abusing a child
Threatening to do any of the above
Controlling you by threatening to turn you over to the authorities if you don’t comply with their demands

Please note that currently living with your abuser is not a requirement under VAWA. Also, if your abuser has lost their immigration status and is no longer a citizen or lawful resident, you may still qualify for VAWA if you apply within a certain period. It’s also important to know that this program does not require you to have reported the domestic violence to the police.

When you get help from a Los Angeles immigration service like our law firm, you can avoid deportation and get the best chance of success when navigating the immigration system. Our Los Angeles VAWA lawyers help you have the peace of mind you deserve by handling the legal aspects of your immigration case.

How Can a Los Angeles VAWA Lawyer Help Me Achieve Legal Status Under VAWA?

When you have suffered abuse, it can be terrifying to come forward and get help. Please know that you are not alone and have a dedicated ally who will protect you legally as you seek a better life. A Los Angeles immigration attorney like those at our law firm can be just the person you want on your side.

Some benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer include the following:

Dedicated legal representation throughout the complex immigration process
Personalized legal counsel based on your unique circumstances
Advice based on decades of experience practicing immigration law
Assistance in filing petitions, gathering evidence, and responding to requests for documentation
Peace of mind knowing that a professional is handling your visa, naturalization, green card petition, VAWA petition, or other immigration matter
Better chances of approval
Faster results than if you petitioned on your own without legal help

To learn more about how our immigration attorneys can help you avoid deportation and guide you through VAWA eligibility, please contact the Law Office of Nancy Reyes Guarderas, A.P.C., immediately. We’ll happily schedule a time to talk with you about your unique immigration needs.

Should You Hire Our Los Angeles VAWA Attorneys?

The legal team led by Abogada Nancy is “siempre lista,” or always ready. We know what it takes to get results under federal law and will fight diligently for the most positive outcome possible in your immigration case.

Our law firm is unique in that we genuinely care about our clients. We promise to listen carefully to your story to match our legal services to your unique needs. Whether you need to navigate consular processing in your own country or face a court appearance before immigration judges, we’ll stand by your side.

Abogada Nancy comes from an immigrant heritage, and she knows how important it is to come to the United States to live your goals and reunite with loved ones. Our VAWA lawyers in Los Angeles have extensive experience with family-based immigration, victim-based visas, green cards, marriage visas, asylum, and other immigration issues. You can rely on our California law firm for excellent legal advice and representation at every step.