The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway to citizenship to men and women who have been physically and/or emotionally abused by their U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or child.
If an individual is undocumented, married to a U.S. citizen, and a victim of domestic abuse, they may be eligible for permanent residency in the U.S.
A psychological evaluation will help establish the psychological impact the physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse had on the individual.
Case Example:
- Lupe (pseudonym) has been a victim of domestic violence since marrying her husband. He has beaten, choked her, taken all her earnings, and stolen her immigration paperwork. He has threatened to call ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) when she has complained about his behavior. Although now separated from her husband, Lupe is still eligible for a VAWA petition. The psychological evaluation can help explain to immigration the level of abuse she experienced and its psychological impact.
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