WHAT IS VAWA?

A VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petition is available for a person (regardless of gender identity) who has been a victim of domestic violence committed in the United States by a US citizen or permanent resident who is their spouse, child or parent.

For more information about VAWA please see the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VAWA?

VAWA allows the recipient to:

• Apply for an Employment Authorization Card and a Social Security Number
• Legally work in the United States without fear of deportation
• Include certain family members in the application including those outside of the U.S.
• Apply for permanent residency in the US if eligible.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR A VAWA CONSULTATION?

• Proof of or information about the legal status of the abuser
• Proof of marriage or relationship to the abuser
• Proof of the abuse
• If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, please bring a certified final court disposition(s)

WHAT IS A U VISA?

A U visa is available for a person who has been the victim of certain serious crimes in the US (including domestic violence, armed assault and sexual abuse) and who cooperates with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Some family members may also qualify if an immediate family member was the victim of the crime. There are some U Visas available for those who have been victims of serious violations of labor laws in the workplace. A criminal investigation of the crime is required, which can be from the Police, Sheriff, Prosecutor’s office, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), or any other agency that has authority to investigate these crimes.

For a list of qualifying crimes and more information about the U Visa, please visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

What is the T Visa?

A T visa is available for a person who has been the victim of severe human trafficking in the Unites States and who has assisted or is willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking.

For more information about the T visa please see https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes/victims-human-trafficking-t-nonimmigrant-status)

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A U and T VISA?

• Obtain legal status in the U.S.
  • Apply for Employment Authorization and obtain a Social Security number
  • Legally work in the United States without fear of deportation
  • Include certain family members in the application including those outside the U.S.
  • Apply for permanent residency in the U.S. if eligible

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR A U or T VISA CONSULTATION?

If you believe you can apply for a U visa or a T visa, you should bring a copy of the complete report of the crime from the appropriate law enforcement agency or Department of Children and Family Services.  If you don’t have a copy of the report, CARECEN can assist you in obtaining a copy.

You may call to schedule an appointment for a VAWA or U Visa consultation by calling 213 385-7800 x140 or come in on any Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.