Call us: GA- 678-250-5449
Call us: VI- 340-626-0778
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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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What Is VAWA, and How Does It Protect Immigrants?
The Violence Against Women Act provides critical immigration protections for victims of domestic violence. This powerful federal law enables you to self-petition for lawful permanent resident status without relying on an abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse. VAWA recognizes that immigration status should never trap anyone in an abusive relationship.
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Through VAWA benefits, you may qualify for:
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Independent immigration status separate from your abuser.
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Work authorization while your case is pending.
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Ability to include your children in your petition.
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Path to lawful permanent residence and eventual citizenship.
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Protection from deportation during the process.
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The law safeguards both immigrant women and men, recognizing that domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds. Our VAWA attorneys guide you through documenting abuse, proving good moral character, and presenting compelling evidence to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
​Qualifying for VAWA Immigration Benefits
To qualify for VAWA immigration benefits, you must demonstrate:
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Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (including common law marriage in some cases).
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Experience of battery or extreme cruelty.
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Current or previous residence with the abuser.
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Good moral character.
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Entry into the marriage in good faith.
Types of Abuse Covered
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VAWA protects against various forms of domestic violence:
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Physical violence and threats
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Emotional and psychological abuse
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Financial control and exploitation
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Sexual abuse
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Isolation from family and friends
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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.
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Confidentiality from your abuser.
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Protection from removal proceedings.
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Eligibility for work authorization.
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Access to public benefits in many cases.
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Ability to maintain custody of your children.
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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.
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.
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.