Immigration options for survivors

You can act without your abuser knowing

Both of the options below can be pursued confidentially. A VAWA self-petition does not require the abuser's knowledge, participation, or consent, and the law restricts what the government may disclose. Many people stay in dangerous situations because they believe their status depends on the person harming them. Usually it does not.

U visas: for victims of crime

The U visa is for people who were victims of certain serious crimes in the United States and suffered substantial physical or mental abuse. You also have to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.

A U visa petition requires a certification from a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or judge confirming that you helped. Getting that certification is usually the hardest part of the case.

Certain family members may be included. Depending on your age and the relationship, this can cover a spouse, children, parents, or unmarried siblings.

This category has an annual cap set by law and a long waiting list, so cases take years. File anyway. Your place in line has value, but you should know what you are signing up for.

VAWA self-petitions

The Violence Against Women Act protects people of any gender.

You may be able to self-petition if you are the spouse of an abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The same is true if you are the parent of an abusive citizen or permanent resident son or daughter, or the child of an abusive citizen or permanent resident.

Evidence usually includes proof of the relationship, proof of the abuser's status, proof that you lived together, and proof of the abuse. Abuse here is not limited to physical violence.

What we do

These cases are built on personal history, and telling that history to a stranger is hard. We take it at whatever pace you need. Joel Elena Hagaman spent six years on domestic violence and sexual assault response teams before joining this firm.