It is important to be clear about the questions you have regarding humanitarian immigration. Our law firm in Dallas can help you with every aspect of your humanitarian immigration case. An experienced attorney can help you understand which laws, forms, and processes and procedures may be applicable to your humanitarian immigration case.

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VAWA Immigration

VAWA is an acronym that stands for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA immigration cases concern abused spouses. Many clients need assistance filing a VAWA petition, also known as an I-360 petition, as the forms and supporting documentation required can be extensive.

The VAWA process is complex, and it is important for clients to understand specific VAWA citizenship requirements. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was enacted in 1994. An abuse survivor, which is usually a partner or a child, is permitted to self-petition for immigration without the involvement of the abuser. The law allows abuse victims the freedom to escape their abusive partners or parents.

The following are the types of abuse that qualify under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):

  • Unwanted sexual contact
  • Threats of physical harm
  • Hair pulling, pushing, kicking, and punching
  • Controlling the victim’s finances
  • Constant insults, bullying, and emotional abuse
  • Threatening deportation
  • Rape
  • Home imprisonment
  • Extreme cruelty
  • Sexual assault

Male and non-binary abuse survivors who are not United States citizens may apply for VAWA. The following individuals are able to file self-petitions under VAWA:

  • Parents who are abused by a U.S. citizen adult son or daughter
  • Battered or abused male or female children of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
  • Spouses of U.S. citizens whose children suffer abuse

If you need assistance with understanding more aspects of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), then you should speak to an immigration lawyer.

U Visa Immigration

U visa immigration is one of the most important topics that concerns clients seeking legal representation in Dallas, Texas. The U visa requirements must be satisfied, and this can affect specific U visa processing time.

U visas are also known as green cards, and they are intended for nonimmigrant victims of specific crimes who suffer physical or mental abuse. The U visa was created to help victims of crimes such as physical abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking who were afraid to assist law enforcement officers due to the effect the investigation would have on their immigration status. Many victims of these crimes feared being deported or detained.

The U visa provides victims with temporary immigration status for qualifying family members, temporary immigration status with work authorization, and the possibility of lawful permanent residence status.

The following crimes are typically associated with U visa applications:

  • Sexual exploitation
  • Rape
  • Prostitution
  • Perjury
  • Kidnapping
  • False imprisonment
  • Domestic violence
  • Abduction

It is also important to identify who may qualify for a U visa in the United States. The following are the qualifications for a U visa:

  • The crime occurred in the United States
  • The applicant can assist law enforcement officers with the investigation by submitting a Law Enforcement Certification
  • The applicant can offer information about the criminal activity
  • The applicant suffered mental or physical abuse
  • The applicant is a victim of criminal activity as defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The U visa is a pathway to U.S. citizenship. If your U visa application is approved, then you are granted lawful immigration status in the United States. A temporary permanent residence grants four years of residence. You can talk to an immigration lawyer about your eligibility to obtain a green card.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

DACA is an acronym that stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The DACA Act was passed during the Obama Administration. If you need assistance with this type of case, then you need to understand the DACA USCIS requirements.

Specific deferred action for childhood arrivals forms must be completed in a timely manner. Also, you need to understand the deferred action for childhood arrivals policy which protects minors who enter the United States with their parents.

If you currently reside in the United States and you were brought here as a child, then you may satisfy the eligibility requirements under DACA. Immigrants who may be able to benefit from DACA are often called DREAMers. This program does not grant applicants with legal status in the United States, but it does permit applicants to receive DACA benefits such as work authorization and protection from deportation.

The following requirements must be satisfied for an applicant to qualify under DACA:

  • The applicant has not been convicted of specific crimes
  • The applicant has lived in the United States without interruption from June 15, 2007 until June 15, 2012
  • The applicant was present in the United States before their sixteenth birthday
  • The applicant is under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012

Recently, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that DACA was illegal. The judge indicated that DACA would need to meet administrative requirements to function again in the future. The USCIS is not permitted to grant new initial applications for DACA at this time.

However, USCIS is still considering applications for DACA renewal. Also, USCIS will take new initial applications to hold them for processing in the future. It is possible the current injunction will be lifted after immigration reform.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

SIJS is an acronym that stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS immigration is complex, and many prospective clients have questions regarding an SIJS green card and Form I-360. These topics can be confusing, and it is important to speak to an immigration lawyer.

Special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) is a status for juveniles who have been neglected, abandoned, or abused by one or both of their parents. Applicants can seek legal status through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). First, an applicant gains lawful permanent residency. Second, after five years, the applicant may seek U.S. citizenship.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS):

  • The applicant must possess a state court order from a juvenile court
  • The applicant must be unmarried
  • The applicant must live in the United States
  • The applicant must be younger than twenty-one (21) years of age

A special immigrant juvenile who is granted immigration status will not be permitted to petition for either of their parents. Also, the program requires only that a juvenile was neglected, abandoned, or abused by one parent, not both parents.

Some of the advantages of obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) are that the juvenile does not need to have come into the United States legally, and they do not have to demonstrate any means of financial support. Special immigrant juveniles may also have the fee for a green card application waived. Also, applicants who came into the United States illegally will not be required to return to their home countries to adjust their status.

Contact Le & Le, PLLC To Speak with Dallas Humanitarian Immigration Lawyers

It is important to seek out an experienced humanitarian immigration attorney who can help you understand the legal process regarding your case. You can enforce your legal rights, and our attorneys will help you with every aspect of your immigration case.