Like many marriages, things started out well between the Client and his US-citizen wife. They got married in 2018, went on a honeymoon, and lived together. They were a hardworking couple who took their marriage seriously. His wife also filed a green card petition him.
Unfortunately, things took a bad turn in their marriage after his wife became abusive towards him. To make matters worse, the green card interview did not go well. They were called back for a second interview (Stokes).
Neither one of them appeared for the Stokes interview.
Consequently, USCIS denied the case and placed the Client in removal proceedings in 2020. Although he had a lawyer, he came to us because he was seeking better representation. We immediately started studying his background to determine whether he has any forms of relief. We determined that he has a pathway to a green card as a victim of domestic violence (VAWA).
The firm filed his VAWA case in October 2022. However, the Client was still worried about his upcoming final removal hearing on March 3, 2023. Unbelievably, just days before his hearing, we received a much-needed notice from USCIS about his VAWA case! We received the VAWAPrima Facie Determination Letter, which means that our Client meets the eligibility requirements for VAWA. After getting this notice, we immediately contacted the ICE attorney to inform her about it.
We also asked that his removal case be dismissed in light of this notice. The ICE attorney agreed with us! We then quickly drafted a Joint Motion to Dismiss. The Motion was submitted on March 1, 2023, and approved on March 2, 2023! The case was dismissed, and no hearing was needed on March 3, 2023!
He will need an adjustment of status application filed at USCIS…and then hopefully, a green card approval thereafter!
If you’re in a similar situation, be sure to get professional help to manage your case!
P.S. Every case is different. Past successes do not guarantee similar future outcomes. Consult with a licensed immigration lawyer to discuss your unique situation.
