Violence Against Women Act For Parents (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway for certain individuals, including parents, to seek immigration support in the United States. While the Violence Against Women Act is mostly known for protecting spouses and children of abusive U.S. citizens as well as lawful permanent residents, it can also be applied to parents who have suffered abuse at the hands of their children.

What is VAWA?

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) was passed by the US congress in 1994, with the aim of providing funding for investigating and prosecuting violent crimes against women in the United States.

This law allows individuals to VAWA self-petition for lawful status in the United States, and create a pathway for a full green card without the knowledge of their abuser.

Eligibility for Parents Under VAWA

To qualify for Violence Against Women Act immigration relief as a parent, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You are the parent of a U.S. citizen/permanent resident: Your child must be at least 21 years old when the petition is filed.
2. You have suffered abuse: The abuse must come from your U.S. citizen or permanent resident child, and the abuse can include physical violence, emotional or psychological abuse or more listed below.
3. You have lived with your abusive child: You must be able to demonstrate that you lived with your child at some point.
4. You are of good moral character: This will be assessed by USCIS, ensuring you meet their requirements.

What constitutes abuse under the Violence Against Women Act?

Abuse is not limited to just physical violence – It can also include any of the following:

• Emotional and psychological abuse, such as intimidation, threats of any kind or emotional manipulation.
• Financial abuse, including withholding money or resources, which forces the victim to depend on the perpetrator financially.
• Verbal abuse, such as constant degradation.
• Neglect or abandonment, especially when the parent is financially dependent on the child.
• Stalking of an adult aged 50 or over.

Frequently asked Violence Against Women Act questions

What if I no longer live with my abusive child?

You must show that you have lived with your child at some point in the past. However, you do not need to be living with them to qualify for VAWA.

Can I still apply if my abusive child has passed away?

In some cases, you still may be eligible if your child was abusive and passed away within the last two years before filing your petition.

Will my abusive child be notified if I apply for the Violence Against Women Act?

The VAWA process is strictly confidential, USCIS will not inform your abusive child or anybody else of Violence Against Women Act self-petition.

Why Choose Blue Lake Law?

At Blue Lake Law, we manage every case with professionalism and care. Our team has been helping individuals and families move to America for many years. One of the services we’re proud to provide is our support with the VAWA self-petition.

Any mistakes in the application process can significantly delay or affect your ability to obtain a Visa. It’s crucial to ensure that your application is perfect from the moment it’s submitted, to prevent any unnecessary delays.

To learn more about our VAWA service, including the costs involved, see our Immigration assistance under the Violence Against Women Act page.