If you’re a non-citizen spouse (or someone who has been divorced within the last two years), child, or parent who has been subjected to domestic violence, then you can self-petition for lawful permanent status without the cooperation of your abuser under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Success on this self-petition will give you work authorization and protect you from deportation.
But navigating the VAWA application process, like the rest of the American immigration system, can be confusing. So, let’s look at some mistakes that you’ll want to be sure to avoid with your self-petition.
Avoid these errors when seeking VAWA protections
A VAWA petition may seem straightforward on its face, but all too often mistakes are made that lead to petition denials. Here are some errors you’ll want to be sure to avoid:
- Information in your VAWA petition contradicts information that’s been provided to the government through other pending petitions.
- The VAWA petition lacks details about your relationship with your abuser.
- The VAWA petition lacks detail about the abuse to which you’ve been subjected.
- You neglect to demonstrate that your abuser is a U.S. citizen or possesses a green card and that the abuse or cruelty occurred in the United States.
- You don’t show that you possess good moral character.
- You fail to submit all necessary documentation.
- You miss filing deadlines.
As you can see, a VAWA petition is more nuanced than you may have thought. So, make sure you understand the requirements, then diligently work to build the thorough petition you need to protect your interests.
Don’t miss out on the immigration protections available to you
The United States’ immigration laws might provide you with the ample protection that you need. But you have to know how to navigate the process without making costly mistakes. Fortunately, you can seek help with your immigration questions so that you can rest assured that your interests are as fully protected as possible.
