The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been a powerful immigration tool to help vulnerable victims of domestic violence. Over the years, I have been able to assist many a battered woman in obtaining green cards. In fact, I have helped several male clients in obtaining green cards too using this law (abuse can go ways). The act has been reauthorized twice without too much fuss since 1994. However, the act has been subject to some terrible set backs as a Republican version of the bill is being debated in Congress. Many of the important protections are being eroded. The House passed the new amendments today. Let’s hope the Senate does not let the bill pass.
Here are some links to news reports on the issue: