Brooklyn U Visa and VAWA Protection for Immigrants

Immigrants that are the victims of violent crimes can get protections that go beyond the criminal prosecution of the perpetrator.

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens and other crimes, while also protecting victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to the crime and are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.  

At Devon King Law Firm, PLLC, our Brooklyn U Visa lawyer serves the entire borough, along with Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Long Island and all 50 states nationwide. Whether it’s U Visa or VAWA protection you need, we can help. Call (718) 569-8122 or fill out our online contact form to arrange for a consultation. 

Key Benefits of Obtaining a U Visa

The most immediate benefit of a U Visa is being able to stay lawfully in the United States for four years, something that provides both security and the ability to seek employment. Furthermore, after three years, the visa holder is eligible to apply for a green card. A green card means permanent resident status and opens up the path to citizenship. 

Understanding VAWA and Battered Spouse Petitions

Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by:

• A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse;
• A U.S. citizen parent;
• A U.S. citizen son or daughter; 
• A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse; or
• An LPR parent.

You may self-petition under VAWA by filing a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360) without your abusive family member’s knowledge or consent. A person who files a VAWA self-petition is generally known as a VAWA self-petitioner. If your self-petition is approved and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.