Immigrants & Immigration

For many immigrants, getting legal status depends on a family member sponsoring them. If that family member becomes abusive, they can use immigration status as a way to control the victim. They might threaten to deport them or refuse to file their paperwork.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was created to help people in this dangerous situation. This law allows certain abused immigrants to apply for legal status on their own. This process is called self-petitioning. VAWA also created a special form of relief from deportation, called VAWA Cancellation of Removal.

Despite the name of the law, VAWA is gender-neutral. It protects people of all genders, including children. Learn more about VAWA here.