For Survivors of Abuse
If you are being hurt, controlled, threatened, or mistreated by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child, you may qualify for immigration protection under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act).
Despite the name, VAWA protections are available to women and men.
You do not have to stay in an abusive relationship to keep your immigration options.
You may be able to apply for legal status on your own — without your abuser knowing or participating.
You Are Not Alone
Many survivors feel trapped because of immigration status.
Abusers often say things like:
- “I will have you deported.”
- “You can’t survive without me.”
- “Immigration will never believe you.”
These threats are often used to control and silence.
VAWA exists to protect survivors from exactly this type of abuse.
Who May Qualify?
You may qualify if:
- You are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder who abused you
- You are the child of an abusive U.S. citizen or green card holder parent
- You are the parent of an abusive U.S. citizen son or daughter (age 21+)
- You lived with the abuser at some point
- You can show the relationship was real (not entered only for immigration purposes)
- You can show battery or extreme cruelty
“Extreme cruelty” includes more than physical violence. It can include:
- Emotional abuse
- Psychological manipulation
- Financial control
- Isolation
- Immigration threats
- Sexual abuse
- Intimidation or humiliation
Abuse does not have to leave physical marks to qualify.
What Does VAWA Provide?
If approved, VAWA allows you to:
✔ Apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card)
✔ Apply for work authorization
✔ Remain in the United States independently
✔ Keep your case confidential
Your abuser is not notified of your VAWA petition.
Confidential and Safe
VAWA cases are confidential by law. Immigration will not contact your abuser about your petition.
Your safety and privacy matter.
We approach these cases with sensitivity and discretion.
Evidence in VAWA Cases
Every survivor’s situation is different.
Evidence may include:
- Your personal declaration (your written story)
- Police reports (if any exist)
- Orders of protection
- Medical or counseling records
- Photos
- Text messages
- Affidavits from friends, family, or community members
You do not need a police report to qualify.
Many survivors never call the police. That does not disqualify you.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
We understand that talking about abuse can be overwhelming.
At Heflin Law:
- You speak directly with an attorney — not a staff member.
- We move at a pace that feels safe.
- We explain every step before it happens.
- We do not pressure you to share more than you are ready to share.
As a mother-and-son immigration law firm in Phoenix, we approach VAWA cases with calm professionalism and human compassion.
Your story will be treated with respect.
You Deserve Stability
Immigration status should never be used as a weapon.
If you are living in fear because of an abusive relationship, there may be a path forward.
You deserve safety.
You deserve independence.
You deserve peace.
If you are ready, we are here to help.
