Sometimes noncitizens who are far away from their families, friends, and familiar cultural roots find themselves in the United States in abusive relationships or serious forms of human depravity. If you, or your child, parents, or neighbor are in an abusive family relationship or are victims of human trafficking, there may be a legal way out of this nightmare. However, it is extremely important to be careful, discreet, and follow US immigration laws and procedures, as a immigration lawyer can explain:

 

What relief is available to immigrants in abusive family relationships?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) It was originally enacted in 1994 and has been amended several times over the years. This law represents a strong commitment on behalf of the American people to be compassionate and empathize with our non-citizen neighbors. Spousal abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse are not simply an American problem; Abuse and inhumanity towards others is global.

Here in the United States, VAWA is a beacon of hope in US immigration law that allows a battered spouse, child, or parent of a United States Citizen (USC) or Green Card holder (LPR) to apply for a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) status on their own. That means that the abused immigrant does not have to depend on the abuser for his or her immigration status. Sometimes the dependence of the abuse victim on the abuser is the very basis of inhumane treatment. This ray of hope called VAWA is done in secret and your abuser is never told that you filed VAWA.

 

Finally, like our friends at Coleman Jackson, P.C. can share the legal requirements, procedures and steps you must follow towards this ray of hope option (VAWA):

  • The abuser is a U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse
  • The abuser is a US citizen parent.
  • The abuser is a son or daughter of the US.
  • The abuser is a spouse who is a green card holder, or
  • The aggressor is a parent with a green card

Psychological evaluations designed for VAWA immigration matters can be used to establish and document your aggression or extreme cruelty at the hands of one of the types of abusers I mentioned above. You, as a victim of domestic violence, need a support system. You need to know that you are not alone in your difficult situation and you don't have to feel hopeless and completely alone. There are mental health counselors and immigration attorneys who can form the backbone of your support system as you look for a way out of an abusive family relationship. Our compassionate, dedicated, and caring friends at the law firm can guide you through VAWA immigration laws.

 

What relief is available for victims of human trafficking?

Your abuser could be a complete stranger or anyone. Is there any relief in sight when you, your family member or neighbor is being abused by someone?  The Law for the Protection of Victims of Trafficking and Violence It was enacted into the United States Immigration Law in 2000. The Visa is known as the “T Visa.”

The “T Visa” could be the way to go if you are a victim of a serious form of trafficking. Our friends from law firm can explain federal laws designed to protect noncitizens who are victims of two forms of human trafficking:

  • If you, your family member, friend or neighbor are caught in sex trafficking; or
  • If you, your family member, friend or neighbor are trapped in labor trafficking

Our friends from Coleman Jackson, P.C. can explain what these legal terms mean, guide you through the eligibility requirements and procedures for possibly obtaining a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) through the “T Visa” immigration laws.

 

What Can a Nonimmigrant Victim of Abuse Do?

You don't have to suffer in silence. Light is strength. There are compassionate mental counseling service providers who can lovingly counsel you and connect you with other service providers who can form a strong support system and network. Compassionate and caring professional attorneys can guide you through the legal fog. Don't lose hope!