In U.S. immigration law, few paths are as challenging as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petition.
For victims of domestic violence, navigating this process can be both daunting and empowering.
Our client hired our firm to do a case assessment after her marriage fell apart and a history of abuse left her shattered.
She had filed an I-360 VAWA petition hoping for a chance to reclaim her life after an abusive relationship.
The firm requested her records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and embarked on a thorough review of her case.
The legal team’s comprehensive analysis revealed specific areas that needed attention and correction of the original petition that was filed by a notario.
USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) in February 2023.
We responded to the RFE which requested a copy of her prior divorce decree, a document that had been omitted from the initial submission.
Our team viewed the RFE as an opportunity to bolster the client’s case by correcting other details that were omitted from the original I-360 petition.
Our RFE response and request to amend the filing with correct information was submitted to USCIS on June 30, 2023.
Our client’s big moment arrived on July 18, 2023, when her VAWA petition was approved!
She had waited five long years for this approval!
May this be a reminder that if an initial petition was riddled with errors, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
With the right support and legal guidance, a path to healing for abuse survivors is possible.
P.S. Every case is different. Past successes do not guarantee similar future outcomes. Consult a licensed immigration lawyer to discuss your unique situation.
