Violence Against Women Act 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

Meet Ifeoma Odunlami, founder of Odunlami Law. Her personal journey as an immigrant and her deep commitment to advocating for immigrant victims of domestic violence are at the heart of our practice. Our approach combines personal understanding with a thorough knowledge of immigration law, enabling us to effectively navigate your case with care and attention.

How VAWA Can Help

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers crucial support, allowing immigrant victims to petition for legal status independently, ensuring safety and a chance at a new beginning. Our team is here to guide you through:

Self-Petitioning: Secure your status without dependency on an abusive sponsor.
Legal Protection: Prioritize your safety and confidentiality from start to finish.
Permanent Residence Pathway: Support in your journey from uncertainty to stable residency.

We’re committed to guiding you through this challenging time with dignity and respect.

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.

What is VAWA?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is not just a legal provision; it is a lifeline for countless victims trapped in abusive relationships with no clear path to safety. Enacted in 1994, this groundbreaking legislation recognized the unique struggles faced by immigrants who are vulnerable to abuse by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.

VAWA allows these survivors to self-petition for lawful residency in the United States—without needing to rely on their abuser. This means you can regain control over your life and future and finally break free from the cycle of abuse. At Odunlami Law, we are deeply committed to helping you through this process, ensuring that you feel supported, heard, and empowered.

VAWA Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible to apply for VAWA if you meet one of the following criteria:

Spouse of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR):

You are currently married to, or were previously married to, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has abused you.

Child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident:

You are the child (biological, stepchild, or adopted) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and have experienced abuse by that parent.

Parent of a Child Abused by Their Partner, i.e. a U.S. Citizen or LPR Parent:

You are the parent of a child who was abused by the other U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent (your spouse), and you seek protection on behalf of your child.

Parent of a U.S. Citizen Son or Daughter:

You are the parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter and have experienced abuse by your adult child. VAWA for parents ensures that parents facing abuse can find safety and support.

You must currently reside in the U.S. or have resided in the U.S. with the abusive family member at some point during the abuse. Exceptions may apply in certain cases, and we can help you determine your eligibility. The law also requires you to demonstrate good moral character. This generally means that you do not have a criminal record or other significant issues that would disqualify you from receiving legal status.

What Types of Abuse Qualify for VAWA?

Many survivors believe that only physical harm counts as abuse, but VAWA recognizes a wide spectrum of abusive behaviors. You are eligible to self-petition under VAWA if you have experienced:

Physical Abuse: Any form of violence, from hitting and slapping to more severe physical assaults.
Emotional Abuse: This includes verbal attacks, manipulation, constant criticism, or threats that make you feel powerless or unsafe.
Sexual Abuse: Coerced sexual acts, rape, or any form of sexual violence.
Economic Abuse: If your abuser has prevented you from accessing money, restricted your financial freedom, or used finances as a way to control you, this qualifies under VAWA.
Psychological Abuse: Isolation, intimidation, humiliation, or threats to your safety—or the safety of your children or family.

No matter what form your abuse has taken, remember: You do not have to endure it. You deserve safety and freedom. Let a VAWA lawyer fight for your rights, ensuring you are protected as you take this courageous step forward.

How Do I Prove Abuse in a VAWA Petition?

Proving abuse in a VAWA self-petition requires more than just allegations. To build a strong case, victims must provide substantial evidence that they were subjected to extreme cruelty and abuse. This can include:

Photos of injuries, damaged property, or any visual proof of the abuse
Medical records
Emails, text messages, or voicemails that contain threats, intimidation, or evidence of abusive behavior
Police reports or restraining orders
Witness statements
Statements from your therapist, counselor, or mental health provider

We understand that gathering this evidence can be difficult, especially when you are still processing your experience or may still be in contact with the abuser. You can rely on an experienced VAWA immigration lawyer to work with great care and discretion, helping you collect everything you need with sensitivity and awareness to your emotional and mental wellbeing.

How VAWA Protects All Survivors

VAWA protections extend to all survivors, regardless of gender. VAWA for men recognizes that male survivors of abuse also deserve support. Whether you are a man, woman, or non-binary individual, if you have been abused by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you have the right to seek protection under VAWA.

At Odunlami Law, we are committed to fighting for justice for all survivors, and we will stand by your side through every step of the process.

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.
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 in VAWA Petitions and How We Overcome Them

Filing a VAWA petition can be complicated, but our experienced team knows how to address the most common challenges, including:

Lack of Documentation: The more comprehensive and well-documented your case is, the easier it becomes for immigration authorities to see the validity of your claims. We will help you identify and gather alternative forms of evidence to support your VAWA application.
Navigating Legal Complexities: Our attorneys are experts in immigration law and will guide you through each stage of the petition.
Concerns About Retaliation: Survivors often worry about the potential for retaliation from their abuser if they file a petition. We take every precaution to protect our clients’ privacy and safety throughout this process.

Our priority is to make this journey as seamless and stress-free as possible for you.

Contact Odunlami Law for a Confidential Consultation

VAWA has transformed countless lives, providing hope to those who once felt trapped in abusive situations. The VAWA immigration process allows eligible survivors to obtain legal status while addressing their situation safely.

If you are considering applying for VAWA or have questions, a New Jersey immigration lawyer at Odunlami Law is ready to assist. Your journey to safety and security matters to us, and we are committed to helping you find the best path forward.

Your journey towards safety and legal stability starts here.

Take the first step toward a brighter future.

Testimonials

I just want to thank Miss Odunlami and her team for the wonderful work they did on my case. My case went so smooth and I received my approval in a period of less than 8 months which was record breaking. I know for a fact it was because of their hard work and all their help gathering my documents and making sure everything was alright that everything worked out the way it did. Thank you. You made the whole experience worthwhile.

This law firm knows what they are doing!! Mrs Odunlami is good at her stuff, able to keep you calm and focused on what is important. The entire staff were extremely helpful, empathetic and professional through this process. It’s such sweet relief to know this is now all sorted.

Upwards and onwards.

Highly recommend!

It was great knowing and being a client of Odunlami Law Firm. Their services and professionalism were nothing but excellent. They met all my needs. Their staffs were nice, respectful and professional in their approach. Attorney Odunlami is just too wonderful. Thank you for all you did for me as your client. I will always refer this law firm to others who need their services because they are great.

The Odunlami Law firm are very responsive, reliable and professional with everything they do. I really appreciate your effort and hard work.

I'm very much happy to use your firm for my case and today I'm the newest USA citizen, I recommend family and friends to this lovely firm and not just a firm but they help you like family from beginning to the very end, I'm so grateful to the team Odunlami law firm, I love you guys

Excellent immigration attorney! She is very compassionate and an excellent advocate for her clients.

Ms Odunlami and her staff are very helpful experienced, friendly and hard working they guided me every step of the way, helped me understand and got me APPROVED. Ms Odunlami is a great attorney that knows her job well and will get you approved with the hard work everyone puts in to make sure we all have our American dream. Thankful to very one at the Odunlami Law firm.

The Odunlami law firm was kind, courteous, professional. It is obvious that they are passionate about the work that they do and the results speak for themselves.

Ms. Odunlami is an excellent attorney that went above and beyond to ensure I had the right advice and experience. She is passionate, hardworking and my go to Immigration lawyer, that I refer whenever anyone asks.

If you want people that care about you,not just the situation you find yourself in, this is the place to go. You are family to them not just a case!

Video Testimonials

Our Location

Odunlami Law Firm, LLC. |

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.