Immigration
Your immigration status should never be used to control you. The law gives many women safe ways to seek status on their own, and free help exists.
Also available in اردو, हिन्दी, বাংলা, and ਪੰਜਾਬੀ.
Three things to know
If you only read one section, read this one.
VAWA applications are confidential by law: USCIS cannot tell your abuser that you applied.
You do not need your spouse's permission, signature, or knowledge to seek safety or legal status of your own.
Hotlines and shelters help everyone, whatever your status. Calling is confidential and is not reported to immigration.
What does the law say?
The rules, in everyday words.
VAWA lets you apply on your own
If a US citizen or green card holder spouse or parent abuses you, the Violence Against Women Act lets you self-petition, meaning you apply for status yourself, in private, without their help or knowledge.
Marriage-based status has an escape route
If you have a two year conditional green card through marriage, you may ask to keep it without your spouse's signature when there has been abuse or the marriage ended. This is called a waiver.
U and T visas protect crime victims
The U visa is for victims of serious crimes who help police or prosecutors. The T visa is for trafficking survivors, people forced into work or sex. Both can lead to a green card.
Immigration threats are an abuse tactic
Threatening to report you to immigration, hiding your passport, or refusing to file your papers is recognized as a form of abuse. Taking or destroying someone's passport can even be a crime.
What can I do next?
- 1Copy your documents safely Make photos of your passport, marriage certificate, visa papers, and children's documents. Store them with a trusted friend or in a private email account your partner cannot open.
- 2Call a confidential hotline The National Domestic Violence Hotline is free, private, and available in many languages through interpreters. Advocates will not report you to immigration, and you can stay anonymous.
- 3Learn your options on a safe device Read plain language guides to VAWA, U visas, and T visas at WomensLaw.org. Use a safe device, like a library computer, if your partner checks your phone.
- 4Find a trusted legal helper Only a licensed lawyer or an accredited representative, a helper approved by the US government, can give immigration legal advice. Find free or low cost help through LawHelp.org.
- 5Watch out for notario fraud In many home countries a notario is a legal expert. In the US, a notary public is not a lawyer. Never pay someone who guarantees results or asks you to sign blank forms.
Who can help for free?
Real people, no cost, and interpreters are available when you ask.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and interpreters in over 200 languages.
WomensLaw.org
Plain language legal information for survivors, including immigration options, plus a free email question service.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Confidential 24/7 help for trafficking survivors and anyone forced to work or stay against their will.
LawHelp.org
Directory of free legal aid programs in your state, including immigration help.