Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can guide you through the immigration process in California. If you’ve experienced abuse from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse in California, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) may allow you to apply for a Green Card on your own–without their involvement. We help survivors through this process with care, confidentiality, and deep experience. When you’re ready, we’re here to help you take the next step. Set up a confidential consultation with our team today.
What is the Violence Against Women Act?
Simply put, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is one of the clearest pathways to full citizenship–even though it’s not technically for the immigration process. Signed into law in 1994, the VAWA offers protection and support to survivors of:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Other forms of abuse, like battery or cruelty.
When it comes to immigration, the VAWA allows certain abused family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply for a Green Card without the abuser’s knowledge or consent. It’s open to both women and men, and covers abuse victims that are:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
Crucially, you don’t have to stay in contact with your abuser or have them involved in your application. The process is designed to protect your safety and give you a path toward lawful status. But it’s still important to understand how you can file and what you can do for a successful petition.
What’s the Application Process Like For a Green Card Under the VAWA?
The starting point of any petition for a Green Car under the VAWA starts with figuring out whether or not you’re eligible. To qualify, you must also meet a few key conditions:
- Your relationship was real–not just for immigration purposes.
- You lived with the abuser at some point (past or present).
- You suffered abuse, which can include physical violence, emotional cruelty, isolation, threats, or manipulation.
- You are a person of “good moral character,” meaning you don’t have a serious criminal record or other disqualifying behavior.
Once you confirm you’re eligible, the next step is filing a self-petition. This means applying without your abuser’s involvement or consent. You’ll need to put together a detailed and honest application that includes:
- Form I-360, the official VAWA self-petition form.
- A personal statement where you explain your relationship, what you experienced, and how it’s affected your life.
- Proof of the relationship, like a marriage certificate, joint lease, shared bills, or family photos.
- Evidence of abuse, this might include therapy notes, medical records, police reports, or written statements from friends, family, clergy, or counselors.
- Background documents like your ID, immigration history, and proof of your good moral character (like letters of reference or clean criminal records).
Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of variability in terms of the documentation and other pieces of evidence. That’s why cases are decided on a case-by-case basis. What’s important to remember, though, is that this option is open to you if you’re currently suffering (or have experienced) domestic violence at home.
VAWA Petitioners in California Can Trust Maison Law Immigration Lawyers
At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we want to help you through the VAWA process with clarity, care, and trust. We know how overwhelming immigration can feel, especially when it’s tied to something as personal as domestic violence or abuse. That’s why we take the time to explain each step in plain language and make sure you always know where your case stands.
Our role goes beyond paperwork–we’re here to make sure you feel safe, supported, and seen. If you’re in California and think you may qualify for a VAWA self-petition, we’re ready to listen and help you take that next step forward. Reach out today for a consultation.
