Protecting Immigrant Women From Violence The Vawa Self-Petition

PROTECTING IMMIGRANT WOMEN FROMqualify in one of the following categories:
VIOLENCE: THE VAWA SELF-PETITION• Spouse: You may file a self-petition if you are a
Many immigrants obtain a Green Card through thebattered spouse married to a U.S. citizen or lawful
sponsorship of a family member who is a U.S. citizenpermanent resident. Unmarried children under the age
or permanent resident. But what happens whenof 21 who have not filed their own self-petition, may
problems arise in the relationship and violence occurs?be included on your petition as dependants.
The VAWA self-petition• Parent: You may file a self-petition if you are
A series of laws were passed in 1994, 2000, andthe parent of a child who has been abused by your
2005 known as VAWA, which stands for ViolenceU.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. Your
Against Women Act. The law includes spouseschildren (under 21 years of age and unmarried),
(female or male) and children of U.S. citizens andincluding those who may not have been abused, may
lawful permanent residents who are victims ofbe included on your petition as dependants, if they
domestic abuse. allows these victims to apply forhave not filed their own self-petition.
permanent residence on their own, without the• Child: You may file a self-petition if you are a
knowledge or assistance of the abusive spouse orbattered child (under 21 years of age and unmarried)
parent. This prevents them from remaining in anwho has been abused by your U.S. citizen or lawful
abusive situation simply to protect their immigrantpermanent resident parent. Your children (under 21
status. VAWA allows them to seek independenceyears of age and unmarried), including those who
and safety from their abuser.may not have been abused, may be included on your
Eligibilitypetition as dependants.
To be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition, you must