Survivor's Defense
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to be safe, regardless of your legal status in the United States. You may 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 police about domestic violence, their duty is to protect you from your abuser. They are not supposed to call ICE to inform them you are in the United States without legal status.
If you are afraid of your abuser or think they may hurt you, you can go to the court or the police to ask for a restraining order. (see Survivor Support).
If you are a victim of domestic violence and you do not have legal status in the US, you should contact immigration lawyers and advocates to help protect you.
What is VAWA?
VAWA: Violence Against Women Act
VAWA is for people who have been victims of domestic violence by a 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 who proves eligibility may be granted permanent residency, although the husband, wife, mother or father, or 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.