TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR VAWA?

You may be eligible to apply for VAWA if you:

• are married to that U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

• are the child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

• are the parent of a child who was abused by their U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident parent

• are a parent of a U.S. Citizen son or daughter

  AND

  you were abused by them.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES VAWA PROVIDE?

An individual who is approved for VAWA:

• receives protection from deportation
• can work lawfully
• becomes eligible to apply for a green card
• can include certain family members in your VAWA petition

WHAT DO I HAVE TO SHOW TO APPLY FOR VAWA?

There are several requirements that need to be met and proven when applying for VAWA. You will need to demonstrate that you:

1. are the spouse or child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident or the parent of a U.S. Citizen adult son or daughter,

2. were abused by the U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident family member,

a. Threatening to beat or terrorize you b. Emotionally abusing you, such as insulting you at home or in public c. Forcing you to engage in sexual activities d. Threatening to deport you or turn you over to immigration authorities e. Controlling where you go, what you can do, and who you can see

1. lived with the abuser at some time,

2. with some exceptions, are currently living in the United States,

   AND

3. are a person of good moral character.

IF YOU ARE APPLYING AS A SPOUSE THEN YOU MUST ALSO SHOW THAT YOU

1. are legally married and in a bona fide marital relationship

VAWA Cancellation of Removal

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), certain foreign-born victims of domestic violence who are in U.S. removal (deportation) proceedings can apply in front of an immigration judge to remain in the United States with a green card. This is what's called VAWA-based "cancellation of removal." (See 8 U.S.C. Section 1229(b).)

In order to qualify for it, you must show that: