Houston VAWA Immigration Lawyer
Navigate the challenges of domestic violence with dedicated legal support.
We guide you toward safety and legal status with understanding and professionalism.
Understanding and Support from Experienced VAWA Lawyers
No one deserves to live in fear of abuse. For immigrants in Houston, that fear can feel even heavier when your immigration status depends on a U.S. citizen or green card holder. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a path toward independence, protection, and lawful status without involving your abuser.
At Odunlami Law Firm, we help survivors across the country file confidential VAWA petitions. Whether you live in Houston or anywhere in the U.S., we can guide you through the process safely, compassionately, and discreetly.
VAWA is a federal law that allows certain immigrant survivors of abuse to self-petition for immigration relief without their abuser’s knowledge or consent. It protects men, women, and nonbinary individuals alike. A successful petition can provide:
- Protection from deportation
- Work authorization
- A pathway to lawful permanent residency (a green card)
If you live in Houston or anywhere nationwide, a VAWA immigration lawyer in Houston at Odunlami Law can help you take this step toward safety and stability.
Services Offered
Our goal is to support your pursuit of safety and legal status with thoroughness and compassion.
We provide a range of legal services to assist you in your VAWA case, including:
Personalized VAWA Self-Petition Assistance
Support tailored to your unique circumstances.
Green Card Acquisition
Guidance through the process of obtaining permanent residency.
Clarifying VAWA Misconceptions
Providing clear, accurate information to empower your decision-making.
See What Our Clients Are Saying
The Violence Against Women Act, first passed in 1994, was designed to protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related abuse. Under this law, eligible individuals may file a self-petition (Form I-360) directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This means you can apply for legal status without notifying your abuser. Learn more about the process through the official USCIS page for VAWA self-petitions.
Who Is Eligible for VAWA in Houston?
You may qualify for protection under VAWA if you:
- Are the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have suffered battery or extreme cruelty from that person
- Lived with the abuser at some point
- Can demonstrate good moral character
Even if you are divorced or your abuser has passed away, you may still qualify under certain conditions. Every case is unique, and eligibility can depend on specific details. We will assess your personal situation during a private consultation.
What Types of Abuse Qualify Under VAWA?
VAWA recognizes that abuse can take many forms beyond physical violence. Qualifying abuse includes:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, or other acts of violence
- Emotional abuse: Threats, manipulation, or humiliation
- Psychological abuse: Intimidation, isolation, or gaslighting
- Sexual abuse: Coercion or forced sexual acts
- Financial control: Withholding money or access to necessities
- Immigration-related abuse: Threatening to call immigration or withhold documents
If any of these apply to your experience, you may be eligible to file a VAWA petition confidentially.
Applying for VAWA involves several steps. The primary form is Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. Your petition should include:
- A personal statement detailing the abuse
- Proof of your relationship to the abuser (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Evidence of shared residence
- Documentation of abuse (police reports, medical records, affidavits, etc.)
- Proof of good moral character
The process is entirely confidential, meaning your abuser will not be notified of your application.
Because VAWA cases are evidence-driven, working with an experienced attorney can make a true difference. The team at Odunlami Law ensures your petition is complete, well-documented, and presented effectively.
What Happens After Your VAWA Petition Is Approved?
If your VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) is approved, you may be eligible to:
- Apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident
- Receive work authorization (Employment Authorization Document)
- Access certain public benefits, depending on state eligibility
Approval under VAWA does not automatically grant a green card. Still, it is an essential step toward achieving lawful status and long-term security.
What Happens After a VAWA Petition is Approved?
Once your VAWA petition is approved:
- Apply for a Green Card: You can file for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. This means you can secure a green card through VAWA, allowing you to live and work in the U.S. without the constant fear of deportation.
- Work Authorization: You may be eligible to apply for work authorization while your green card application is pending.
- Housing Protections: VAWA provides certain housing protections, allowing survivors to remain in federally assisted housing even if they were previously listed under the abuser’s name.
- Pathway to Citizenship: As you establish your life in the U.S., you may eventually become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, granting you full rights and responsibilities as an American citizen.
Common Challenges Houston Survivors Face in VAWA Cases
Many survivors encounter barriers when seeking immigration relief, including:
- Fear of deportation or retaliation
- Lack of documentation or evidence
- Language or cultural barriers
- Emotional trauma from abuse
- Misleading or incorrect legal advice
At Odunlami Law, we understand these challenges and work to protect your identity throughout the process. We provide clear, trustworthy legal guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
We educate our clients on the truth about VAWA, such as:
- You do not need to live with the abuser now.
- Men and all genders are protected under VAWA.
- Police reports are not required to be filed.
- Your abuser will never be notified.
These facts help empower survivors to seek justice without fear.
Why Houston Survivors Trust Odunlami Law
Survivors across Texas and nationwide trust Odunlami Law Firm for immigration support because of our sensitivity to the emotional needs of our clients and our dedication to their legal status.
Although based in New Jersey, we proudly serve Houston’s diverse immigrant population, particularly those facing challenging and perilous situations, through both in-person and virtual consultations. Whether your case involves domestic abuse, emotional manipulation, or complex evidence issues, we provide clear, consistent support from start to finish.
When you retain a Houston VAWA lawyer from Odunlami Law, you are getting trauma-informed legal guidance from someone who truly listens and wants you to achieve your immigration goals.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Houston VAWA Lawyer
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and needs immigration help, take the first step toward safety today. Our Houston immigration attorneys handle VAWA cases nationwide and can assist you in filing your petition with care and discretion.
Call (732) 686-0074 or Contact Odunlami Law Firm to schedule a confidential consultation. Your safety and future matter; let us help you take control of both.
Your journey towards safety and legal stability starts here.
Take the first step toward a brighter future.
Testimonials
Video Testimonials
Our Locations
Odunlami Law Firm, LLC. | New Jersey Office
- 14 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 209, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
- (973) 993 1900
- support@odunlamilaw.com
Odunlami Law Firm, LLC. | Houston Office
- 19 Briar Hollow Ln Suite 275, Houston, TX 77027
- (713) 600-1909
- support@odunlamilaw.com
Follow Us
Do You Need Legal Representation?
We help fellow immigrants get legal status so they can live without fear: do it right the first time by using an experienced immigration attorney. Our team represents immigration clients who live in all fifty states and abroad, we speak English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French.
Contact us at (973) 993 1900. Visit our office in NJ or NY, or connect with us for a consultation. Discover more on our [About Us] page to learn about the Odunlami Law Firm’s commitment to supporting our clients.