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VAWA
U Visa & VAWA Lawyers in Fresno
Immigration Protection for Clients in Clovis & the Central Valley
At Andrade Auld Law, we are committed to helping immigrants who have suffered abuse or been victims of certain crimes find safety and legal protection under U.S. immigration law.
Two of the most potent tools available are the U visa and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition. While each offers a different form of relief, both are designed to provide a path toward stability and lawful immigration status for vulnerable individuals.
Our immigration lawyers can help you determine which option is right for your situation and guide you through the legal process with compassion and confidentiality.
Request a free consultation appointment with a Fresno attorney for U visas and VAWA by contacting us at (559) 517-3733. Hablamos español.
What Is VAWA?
VAWA allows certain non-citizens who have experienced abuse at the hands of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member to file a petition for legal status without the abuser’s involvement or knowledge. This self-petition process protects victims from being forced to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.
Eligible applicants include:
- Spouses and former spouses of U.S. citizens or green card holders
- Children (under 21 and unmarried) of abusive U.S. citizens or green card holders
- Parents of abusive U.S. citizen children over the age of 21
To qualify, the abuse must have occurred in the U.S., and the applicant must show good moral character and have lived with the abuser at some point.
What Is a U Visa?
The U visa is a form of relief for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or emotional harm and are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. Unlike VAWA, the U visa is not limited to family-based abuse and can apply to a wide range of criminal activity.
Qualifying crimes include:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Human trafficking
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- Slave trade
- Prostitution
- Extortion
- Manslaughter or murder
- Witness tampering
- Obstruction of justice
- And many other similar crimes
This comprehensive list gives victims of severe abuse or exploitation the ability to access immigration relief and contribute to the pursuit of justice.
Benefits of the U visa include:
- Lawful status for up to four years (renewable in some cases)
- Work authorization
- Eligibility to apply for a green card after three years
How Do VAWA and U Visas Intersect?
While both options aim to protect vulnerable immigrants, VAWA is focused on abuse within family relationships. At the same time, the U visa applies more broadly to victims of crimes involving violence or exploitation.
In some cases, individuals may qualify for both. For example, someone abused by a U.S. citizen spouse may be eligible under VAWA but might also qualify for a U visa if the abuse involved a qualifying crime and they cooperated with authorities.
What Sets Us Apart?
client-centered and compassionate approach
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Free ConsultationsWe offer complimentary consultations at our office or virtually.
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Trustworthy Advocacy
We work diligently to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcomes for your case.
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Multilingual ServicesOur team can assist clients in Spanish, Armenian, Russian, & Ukrainian.
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Personalized Care
