Long Beach VAWA Lawyer

If you are a non-U.S. citizen located in Long Beach or the surrounding areas and are in an at-home situation that is threatening your well-being and legal status, there are options available to you. One of these is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). A Long Beach VAWA lawyer from U.S. Law Center can assist you with navigating the complex application process, enhancing your chances of having a successful application. Furthermore, they can help you explore further options for relief.

At U.S. Law Center, our dedicated immigration team operates on the belief that every individual, regardless of their background or immigration status, has a right to live free from fear of harm or abuse. Therefore, we fight fiercely on behalf of people who face threats to their immigration status due to abuses happening at home. Our team has a successful record of handling VAWA cases by knowing how to gain pertinent evidence and submitting robust applications.

What Is the Violence Against Women Act?

The Violence Against Women Act was originally written and signed into law in 1994 and has been reauthorized multiple times since. The purpose of VAWA is to discourage and prevent violence and sexual assault against vulnerable populations in the U.S. The law reflects a decades-long initiative to curb sexual assault and violence in the country through meaningful and cost-effective policy.

Under VAWA, there are specific provisions for non-citizen victims of domestic violence. Before the introduction of the law, individuals who had faced domestic violence from a family-sponsor perpetrator could not come forward due to fear that their immigration status would be negatively impacted. Under current rules and regulations, eligible candidates can submit an application for a self-sponsored petition.

By being empowered to self-sponsor their green card application, individuals do not have to notify the domestic violence perpetrator who was the original sponsor of their immigration application. Men and women alike can receive relief under the law, and such benefits extend to all non-U.S. citizens, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Understanding Long Beach VAWA Eligibility

Requirements for VAWA are stringent, and it may be difficult to understand whether you are eligible. Therefore, it is generally advised to work with an experienced immigration lawyer who can analyze your situation and determine your eligibility. A compassionate lawyer from U.S. Law Center can determine whether you meet the following requirements:

• Having a previous or current marriage with the abuser. Being currently or previously married to the abuser, who is a U.S. lawful permanent resident or citizen, is a key requirement.
• Showing that the marriage was legitimate. You will need to show that the marriage with the abuser was entered into in good faith and therefore was not based on fraud or dishonesty.
• Having lived with the abuser. Having proof that you and the abuser were physically living together under the same roof is a crucial requirement for VAWA.
• Being subjected to cruelty by the abuser. You will need to show evidence that you were subjected to extreme cruelty during the time you were married to the abuser, including instances of battering and sexual harm.
• Being of good moral character. Applicants will need to show they are of good moral character. This can include lacking a criminal record and providing statements from individuals close to them.

If you are facing instances of domestic abuse tied to your immigration status in Long Beach, you may be eligible for protection under VAWA. An experienced and compassionate lawyer from U.S. Law Center can work with you and analyze your case to determine your eligibility. If you are ineligible, they can help you explore different legal options. If you are eligible, they can support you with submitting a strong and robust application to optimize your case.

FAQs About Long Beach, CA VAWA Laws

Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for VAWA?

Although it is not a requirement to have an attorney’s aid to apply for a self-petition under VAWA, having experienced legal representation on your side can come with significant benefits. A lawyer can support you with submitting an effective and complete application. They can also help you gather and submit supporting evidence. Furthermore, they can anticipate or react to any legal issues that may come up. Working with a lawyer can increase your chances of a successful application.

How Much Does a VAWA Application Cost?

Filing a VAWA petition is free. However, there may likely be filing fees associated with other applications and if desired, you will need to pay for legal representation. The U.S. government does not cover the legal fees of VAWA petitioners, so the burden of paying them typically falls on the petitioner. By working closely with an experienced immigration lawyer, you can understand the expected overall cost of your particular case.

What Can Disqualify Applicants From VAWA?

There are multiple issues that can disqualify a person from being eligible for self-petition under VAWA. For example, those who have been convicted of committing particular crimes, such as those including aggravated felonies or moral turpitude, can be banned from applying. To understand your qualification for a green card under VAWA, it is recommended to work with an immigration lawyer who can let you know what your options are.

What Is Powerful Evidence for VAWA?

Powerful evidence for VAWA varies on a case-by-case basis, but it generally includes robust proof showing the extent of the abuse and its subsequent impact on the petitioner’s life. Evidence of a relationship with the abuser must also be proven. Powerful evidence can include:

• Restraining orders
• Police reports
• Meticulous personal statements
• Videos or photos of physical harm or property damage
• Medical records showing mental or physical repercussions

Get Critical Legal Protections by Working With an Experienced Long Beach VAWA Lawyer

Dealing with the negative repercussions of domestic violence instances can be challenging, both emotionally and financially. On top of that, navigating the bureaucracy of VAWA applications can add to feelings of uncertainty and stress.

An experienced VAWA lawyer from U.S. Law Center is here to help you pursue the protections you are entitled to under the law. We can assist you with drafting and submitting a successful application, securing your right to stay in the country. Contact us for legal support today.