The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to self-petition for immigration relief. Despite its name, VAWA is not limited to women. Men can also qualify if they are victims of battery or extreme cruelty by a qualifying spouse, parent, or child. The focus of the law is the abuse and the qualifying relationship, not gender.

Male applicants may qualify for VAWA if they are experiencing emotional abuse, controlling behavior, threats related to immigration status, or other forms of extreme cruelty from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. These cases are evaluated based on the facts and evidence of abuse, not the applicant’s gender. Many men are eligible but do not realize they can file under VAWA protections. 

VAWA also allows eligible individuals to file a self-petition using Form I-360 without the abuser’s involvement or knowledge. If approved, applicants may be able to move forward with the green card process if they meet all other requirements. This process is designed to allow survivors to seek immigration relief independently and safely.

If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship and are unsure whether you qualify, it is important to have your case reviewed. We offer a free case evaluation to assess VAWA eligibility. You may contact us at 703-348-1663. Our firm assists clients throughout the United States with VAWA and other immigration matters.

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