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Is There Any Relief for Abused Noncitizen Immigrants?

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

What Relief is Available for Immigrants in Abusive Familial Relationships

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was originally enacted into law in 1994 and has been amended several times over the years.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 noncitizen neighbors.  Spousal abuse, child abuse and elder abuse are not simply an American problem; abuse and inhumanity to others are worldwide.   

Here in the United States, VAWA is a light of hope in America’s immigration laws that permits an abused spouse, child or parent of a United States Citizen (USC) or Green Card Holder (LPR) to self-petition for Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card).  That means the abused immigrant does not have to rely on the abuser for their immigration status.  Sometimes the abuse victim’s dependence upon the abuser is the very basis for the inhuman treatment.  This ray of hope called VAWA is done in secrecy and your abuser is never told that you filed VAWA.  

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

  • The abuser is a U.S. Citizen Spouse or Former Spouse
  • The abuser is a U.S. Citizen Parent 
  • The abuser is a U.S. Son or Daughter
  • The abuser is a Green Card Holder Spouse or Former Spouse, or
  • The abuser is a Green Card Parent

Psychological evaluations tailored for immigration VAWA matters can be used in support of establishing and documenting your battery or extreme cruelty at the hands of one of the types of abusers that I mentioned above.  You as a victim of domestic violence require a support system.  You need to know that you are not alone in your plight and you do not have to feel hopeless and all alone.  There are mental health counselors and immigration lawyers who can form the backbone of your support system as you look for the way out of an abusive familial relationship.  Our compassionate, dedicated and caring law firm friends can guide you through the 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 Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act was enacted into American Immigration Law in 2000.  The Visa is referred to as the “T Visa”.  

The “T Visa” might be the path forward if you are the victim of a form of severe trafficking.  Our friends at the law firm can explain the federal laws designed to protect noncitizens who are the victims of two forms of human trafficking:

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

Our friends at 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 Noncitizen Abuse Victim Do

You do not have to suffer in silence.  Light is strength.  There are compassionate mental counseling service providers who can lovingly counsel you and connect you to other service providers who can form a strong support system and network.  Compassionate and caring professional lawyers can guide you through the legal haze.  Don’t give up hope!

This law blog is written by the Taxation | Litigation | Immigration Law Firm of Coleman Jackson, P.C. for educational purposes; it does not create an attorney-client relationship between this law firm and its reader.  You should consult with legal counsel in your geographical area with respect to any legal issues impacting you, your family or business.

©Coleman Jackson, P.C. | Taxation, Litigation, Immigration Law Firm | English (214) 599-0431 | Spanish (214) 599-0432

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