Orlando Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Attorneys

Our Firm is Ready to Help Abused Foreign Nationals in Orlando, FL

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we understand the challenges faced by individuals subjected to domestic violence, abuse, or cruelty. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a lifeline for victims by offering pathways to safety, independence, and legal residency in the United States. If you’re seeking compassionate legal guidance from experienced attorneys, our Orlando VAWA lawyers are here to help.

Schedule a consultation with one of our Orlando VAWA lawyers by calling our office at (407) 630-8455 or filling out our online contact form.

What is VAWA?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law enacted in 1994 to address domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse against women. However, VAWA protections are not exclusive to women—men and children can also qualify under this law. VAWA provides victims of abuse an opportunity to self-petition for legal status in the United States without relying on the abusive spouse, parent, or child.

This legislation recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by immigrants in abusive relationships and empowers them to seek safety and legal status independently. By removing dependency on the abuser for immigration status, VAWA allows victims to regain control of their lives and protect their future.

Benefits of a VAWA Petition

Filing a VAWA petition comes with several benefits, including:

• Independence from the Abuser: Victims can self-petition without the knowledge or consent of their abuser.
• Work Authorization: Once approved, petitioners may obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), enabling them to work legally in the United States.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Approved VAWA petitioners may qualify for a green card, leading to lawful permanent residency.
• Protection from Deportation: VAWA petitioners gain relief from deportation risks associated with their immigration status.
• Access to Public Benefits: In certain cases, VAWA recipients may qualify for public benefits to support their recovery and transition to independence.

Eligibility for VAWA

VAWA is available to individuals who have experienced abuse and meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Spouse: You are or were married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty.
• Parent: You are the child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has been abusive.
• Child: You are the parent of a U.S. citizen child who has subjected you to abuse.

Additionally, you must demonstrate that:

• You resided with the abuser.
• The abuse took place during the qualifying relationship.
• You are of good moral character.

How to File a VAWA Petition

The VAWA self-petition process involves several steps:

1. Gather Documentation: Collect evidence of the abusive relationship, such as police reports, medical records, photographs, and affidavits from witnesses or professionals familiar with your situation.
2. Complete Form I-360: File Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. This form is the cornerstone of the VAWA petition and must include detailed information about the abuse and your relationship to the abuser.
3. Submit Evidence of Good Moral Character: Provide documentation such as police clearance certificates or affidavits attesting to your moral character.
4. File the Petition: Submit the completed petition along with supporting evidence to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
5. Follow-Up: After filing, USCIS may request additional information or schedule an interview. It is crucial to respond promptly and accurately.

VAWA cases are highly sensitive and require meticulous preparation. The Orlando VAWA attorneys at Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. are dedicated to guiding you through each step of this process.

Why Choose Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A.?

With decades of experience in immigration law, our firm is committed to helping clients overcome the barriers posed by abuse and uncertainty. When you work with Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., you can expect:

• Compassionate Advocacy: We handle every case with empathy and respect, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
• Proven Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous VAWA petitioners, navigating complex legal challenges to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.

To learn more about how we can help you through the VAWA process, contact us today at (407) 630-8455.