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VAWA visa lawyer from LaGrone Law offering a confidential consultation to a client.

VAWA Immigration Attorney in Atlanta, GA

Are you facing domestic violence in your home but fear getting help due to your immigration status? Do you need legal protection but worry about jeopardizing your path to lawful permanent residence?

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LaGrone Law is home to VAWA immigration attorneys who support residents across Georgia who face abuse while pursuing their immigration goals. As advocates for immigrant women and men experiencing domestic violence, we guide you through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) process to secure your legal status independently of an abusive spouse. With our legal assistance, you can break free from mental or physical abuse while maintaining your immigration benefits.

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VAWA Visa Lawyer: Expert Legal Assistance for Abused Spouses

If you are a victim of battery or any form of abuse—whether physical, mental, emotional, or financial—committed by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you may be eligible to file for legal status on your own. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protection and a path to safety and independence for abused immigrants. It’s important to note that the abuse does not need to rise to the level of extreme cruelty, and you may still qualify even without a police report or evidence of physical abuse.

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At LaGrone Law, our dedicated VAWA immigration lawyers understand the sensitivity of these situations and are here to provide the expert legal guidance you need.

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Navigating the U.S. immigration system is challenging, especially when dealing with the trauma of abuse. You do not have to endure this process alone. An experienced VAWA lawyer can help you build a strong case, protect your rights, and secure your future in the United States.

What is a VAWA visa?

VAWA allows certain spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to file a self-petition for lawful status without the abuser's knowledge or participation. This provision is crucial because abusers often use immigration status as a tool for control. A successful VAWA self-petition provides a work permit, protection from deportation, and a direct path to obtaining a green card (lawful permanent residency).

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The primary goal of the VAWA visa is to empower victims to leave abusive relationships without fearing the immigration consequences. If you are searching for a "vawa lawyer near me," our firm offers compassionate and confidential support to guide you through every step.

How can a VAWA lawyer help you?

Hiring a skilled VAWA immigration lawyer is critical to the success of your case. The legal requirements are complex, and the evidence needed to prove your eligibility can be difficult to gather.

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An experienced VAWA attorney from LaGrone Law will:

  • Evaluate Your Eligibility: We will conduct a thorough review of your situation to confirm you meet all the VAWA immigration requirements.

  • Gather Critical Evidence: Proving abuse and the qualifying relationship requires substantial documentation. We help you collect police reports, medical records, affidavits from witnesses, psychological evaluations, and other crucial evidence to build a compelling self-petition.

  • Prepare and File Your Petition: Our team handles all the complex paperwork, ensuring your Form I-360 self-petition is filed correctly and includes all necessary supporting documents.

  • Communicate with USCIS: We will act as your legal representative, handling all communication with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.

 

Prepare You for What's Next: After vawa approval, we guide you through the next steps, including applying for your green card and work authorization.

VAWA Visa Requirements

To qualify for protection under VAWA, you must meet several key requirements. While each case is unique, the general eligibility criteria include:

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  1. Qualifying Relationship: You must be the spouse, child, or parent of an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. In some cases, a relationship that ended due to divorce or the abuser's death may still qualify.

  2. Proof of Abuse: You must provide evidence that you were subjected to battery or extreme cruelty. This can include physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.

  3. Good Faith Marriage: If filing as a spouse, you must demonstrate that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration benefits.

  4. Good Moral Character: You must prove that you are a person of good moral character.

  5. Residency: You must have lived with the abusive family member at some point.

 

A knowledgeable VAWA immigration attorney near me can help you understand and document these requirements effectively.

​Qualifying for VAWA Immigration Benefits

To qualify for VAWA immigration benefits, you must demonstrate:

  • Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (including common law marriage in some cases).

  • Experience of battery or extreme cruelty.

  • Current or previous residence with the abuser.

  • Good moral character.

  • Entry into the marriage in good faith.

Types of Abuse Covered

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VAWA protects against various forms of domestic violence:

  • Physical violence and threats

  • Emotional and psychological abuse

  • Financial control and exploitation

  • Sexual abuse

  • Isolation from family and friends

  • Immigration-related abuse (threats of deportation)

Legal Protections During Your VAWA Case

While your VAWA petition is pending, you receive important protections. These temporary legal status protections help you establish independence while pursuing permanent residence.

  • Confidentiality from your abuser.

  • Protection from removal proceedings.

  • Eligibility for work authorization.

  • Access to public benefits in many cases.

  • Ability to maintain custody of your children.

Timeline and Steps for VAWA Cases

Initial Consultation and Safety Planning

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Your VAWA case begins with a private consultation. During this meeting, you will be evaluated for your eligibility for VAWA benefits and develop a comprehensive safety plan.

Evidence Collection and Documentation

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The second phase focuses on gathering the evidence needed to support your self-petition. Your lawyers will work with you to obtain police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements that document the abuse. Attorneys also collect proof of your good moral character, marriage validity, and shared residence with your abusive spouse to build a strong foundation for your case.

VAWA Self-Petition Filing

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After assembling evidence, your VAWA immigration lawyer will prepare and file your VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This package includes your personal statement, supporting documentation, and legal arguments establishing your eligibility for immigration benefits under the Violence Against Women Act.

Work Authorization and Deferred Action

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While your self-petition is pending, legal teams like ours will pursue temporary legal status protections to stabilize your situation. This includes applying for work authorization so you can support yourself independently of your abuser. You may also be able to secure deferred action status, which prevents deportation and provides additional security during the processing period.

Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Residence​

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Once your VAWA self-petition receives approval, the final phase begins. This adjustment of status process transforms your temporary legal status into a lawful permanent residence. You will be prepared for your immigration interview, submit required medical examinations, and address any complications that arise to complete the path to permanent residence in the United States.

Why Choose LaGrone Law for Your VAWA Case?

Choosing the right legal partner is essential. At LaGrone Law, we are more than just legal experts; we are advocates dedicated to protecting victims of domestic violence.

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  • Specialized Expertise: Our firm focuses on immigration law, with deep experience in handling sensitive VAWA cases. We understand the unique challenges you face and know how to build a strong petition.

  • Compassionate and Confidential Support: We provide a safe and confidential environment where you can share your story without fear. Your privacy and safety are our top priorities.

  • Proven Track Record: We have helped numerous clients successfully navigate the VAWA process and achieve their dream of living safely and legally in the U.S.

  • Clear Guidance: We will answer your questions about the process, including the potential vawa lawyer cost and what to expect after your case is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions About VAWA Visas

After VAWA approval, how long does it take to get a green card?
Once your I-360 VAWA petition is approved, you can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. The processing time for the green card can vary, but our team will guide you through the process to minimize delays.

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Can I file for VAWA if I am no longer married to my abuser?
Yes, you may still be eligible to file for VAWA if the marriage ended due to divorce related to the abuse, provided you file within two years of the divorce.

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What is the cost of a VAWA lawyer?
The vawa attorney fees can vary depending on the complexity of your case. LaGrone Law offers transparent pricing and will discuss all potential costs during your initial consultation.

Take the First Step Towards Safety and Freedom

You do not have to live in fear. The VAWA visa provides a lifeline for victims of abuse, and our team at LaGrone Law is here to help you secure it. We are committed to providing the expert and compassionate legal support you deserve.
 

Contact LaGrone Law today for a confidential consultation about your VAWA case.

VAWA visa lawyer from LaGrone Law offering a confidential consultation to a client.

Make LaGrone Law Your VAWA Immigration Attorneys

LaGrone Law is dedicated to empowering abuse survivors by helping them secure legal status and independence through VAWA immigration relief. Our experienced attorneys combine in-depth knowledge of immigration law with a strong commitment to supporting domestic violence survivors. Through compassionate advocacy and strategic representation, we have helped countless Georgia residents escape abuse and rebuild their lives with the protections VAWA provides.

Contact us for a confidential consultation about your VAWA immigration case.

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