Whether you are a male or female, if you married a US citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for a Green Card on your own under the Violence Against Women’s Act (“VAWA”) if your significant other becomes violent. Application conditions include:
You believed you were entering into a legally valid marriage
You married in good faith (not just to get a Green Card)
You lived with your spouse
You suffered physical abuse or extreme emotional abuse
You are a person of good moral character
You may apply for a Green Card up to two years after divorcing an abusive spouse, provided that you have not remarried. If you have been in the US for at least three years, have demonstrated good moral character for that period of time, and were abused by a spouse or intended spouse who is a US citizen or permanent resident, you may also apply for cancellation of removal in Immigration Court proceedings. This will result in obtaining a green card. If you have experienced domestic abuse, our experienced family immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein will research your case, identify your options and file the necessary documents to help keep you safe.