VAWA Lawyer
At Bueno Law we are an office of immigrants for immigrants.
Our attorneys & staff are talented immigration warriors with a deep passion for assisting you through the VAWA process to help you get a Green Card.
When you work with Bueno Law you will feel like you are part of a family, because we treat you like our family. Our team speaks English, Spanish, & Portuguese to best help you through your VAWA case.
Who We Serve
LGBTQ+
Women
Children
People Seeking Asylum
Indigenous Peoples
Hispanic Immigrants
Brazilian Immigrants
Central American Immigrants
However, you may still be eligible to be represented by us if you do not consider yourself a part of these demographics. We encourage you to contact us if you have experienced violence, discrimination, threats, intimidation, or abuse in any form.
What is VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, is a federal law first introduced in 1994. It created special resources for people who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Among these resources is a route to legal residency in the USA, through a Green Card, for non-citizens who have experienced cruelty in the relationship at the hand of a U.S. citizen under certain conditions.
Who Can Qualify for VAWA?
It is important to note that PEOPLE OF ALL GENDERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A VAWA VISA; you do not need to identify as women.
In order to qualify for VAWA, you must be able to prove that you suffered cruelty in the relationship by a spouse, parent, or step-parent and that the cruelty occurred in the USA. In cases of spousal cruelty, you may also have to prove that you were married in “good faith” and not for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship.
Speak to one of our VAWA immigration lawyer today to discuss whether your situation qualifies you for a VAWA visa.
VAWA Self Petitions
What is a VAWA Self-Petition?
The purpose of the VAWA self-petition is to allow you to continue your journey toward legal resident status, your Green Card, without needing to be dependent upon an abusive spouse or parent to file the petition. Usually, a spouse or child of a U.S. citizen is granted a conditional residency but needs the spouse or parent to sign the petition for permanent residency. In an abusive relationship, this dependence could easily be used as a tool for manipulation. VAWA allows you to push your petition forward without needing a signature from your abuser.
Who is Eligible for a VAWA Self-Petition in California?
Any person, regardless of sex or gender, can file a VAWA self-petition in California if they meet the criteria stated above. This includes people in same-sex marriages.
The VAWA Process
The first thing you should do when you decide to go forward with this path is to get an experienced VAWA lawyer. Any immigration process is complex and the VAWA process in particular involves gathering a lot of documents and evidence that are sensitive in nature. You will likely need a personal statement, credible evidence that corroborates your claim of abuse, proof that you were married in good faith, evidence of your character, and more in order to obtain a Green Card through VAWA.
Challenges Faced By Warriors Seeking VAWA
It is common for victims of cruelty to be scared of filing for VAWA because they fear the abuser. It is important to find a lawyer who knows the law and can assure you that your case will be 100% confidential and your abuser will never find out. People seeking VAWA are also sometimes discouraged by the amount of paperwork required for the process. But you don’t need to face these challenges alone. We at Bueno Law are ready to help.
Case Study: Bueno Law’s Experience with VAWA Cases
Bueno Law Warriors do not stop fighting until we have exhausted all means of winning your case. Here is what two of our clients have written about their experience with Bueno Law:
“Best Immigration lawyer I have met! She really fights for the client’s rights. It was impressive how she won my complicated case. I recommend her as the best.” -M.M.
“Well, after looking for many places and getting all kinds of information, I was lucky enough to be able to find this Law office, since from day one, they always gave me full support and instructions about how to make my case strong and a lot of tips that helped me to save Time and Money during the process. The environment is so friendly and judgment-free that I felt really comfortable discussing the aspects of my case.” -W.R.
Let Us Help You
When you choose Bueno Law, you are partnering with the best team of VAWA immigration law professionals in San Rafael and San Diego, California. We will guide you through every step of the VAWA process to help you get your Green Card. Don’t let fear hold you back any longer; contact us today.