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If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to be safe and secure regardless of your legal status in the United States. You might worry that you don't have the right to call the police if you are being abused, but that is not true.

When you contact the police about domestic violence, it is their duty to protect you from your abuse. They are not supposed to call ICE to report that you are in the United States without immigration status.

If you are afraid of your abuser, or think he/she might hurt you, you can go to court or the police and ask for a restraining order. This link is of great help for the state of Iowa: Violence Free Iowa (Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

If you are a victim of domestic violence and do not have legal status in the United States, you should consult an immigration attorney or counselor to help protect you.

 

What is VAWA?

VAWA: Violence Against Women Act

VAWA is for people who have been victims of domestic violence by spouse, Parent, or Child who is a lawful permanent resident or U.S. Citizen.  

A victim who has the above family members, who meets all the requirements, and proves eligibility may be granted permanent residency. Although the husband, wife, mother or father, child do not sign any supporting document to request them.

Note: The case must be fully analyzed to ensure that there are no factors that make them inadmissible / ineligible for residency.