The Violence Against Women Act provides certain protections to immigrants.
The Violence Against Women Act is a landmark piece of U.S. legislation that was passed in 1994. The purpose of this law is to address and combat violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Many programs and services for women receive funding thanks to this legislation.
In the context of immigration, the Violence Against Women Act includes specific provisions designed to protect immigrant victims from domestic violence and other forms of abuse. These provisions aim to ensure that immigrant survivors of violence are not left vulnerable due to their immigration status.
For example, the Violence Against Women Act allows certain immigrants who are victims of domestic violence to apply for legal status independently of their abuser through the self-petition process. Those who are eligible for this process include those married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have been subjected to spousal abuse. The self-petitioning process helps prevent abusers from using their control over immigration status as a tool for further abuse.
Additionally, the Violence Against Women Act supports the U Visa program, which provides temporary legal status and work authorization to victims of serious crimes (including domestic violence) who help law enforcement with the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. The U visa is available to immigrants who have been victims of certain types of crime and who can demonstrate that they are helpful to law enforcement.
Contact us at American Immigration Attorneys if you have any questions about the Violence Against Women Act or if you live in the Hoover, Alabama area and need help with your immigration case.