VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress in 1994, the spouses and children of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPR) may self-petition to obtain lawful permanent residency. The immigration provisions of VAWA allow certain battered immigrants to file for immigration relief without the abuser's assistance or knowledge, in order to seek safety and independence from the abuser.

Those qualifying under the VAWA are:

* Spouses: Self-petitions may be filed by battered spouses married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Unmarried children under the age of 21, who have not filed their own self-petition, may be included on this petition as derivative beneficiaries.

* Parents: Self-petition may be filed by the parent of a child who has been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. Children (under 21 years of age and unmarried), including those who may not have been abused, may be included on your petition as derivative beneficiaries, if they have not filed their own self-petition.

* Children: Self-petitions may be filed by battered children (under 21 years of age and unmarried) who has been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent.