VAWA Basics: Self Petitions, Waivers, and Removal Defense for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence

  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Eastern Time (US & Canada)
  • By: Boston Bar Association, MetroWest Legal Services LSC funded
  • Boston Bar Association
Topics:
  • Immigration

Please join the BBA for a training that will cover the basics of the self-petition process, removal of conditions and removal defense options provided under Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). Under VAWA, certain immigrant spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens, and certain spouses and children of Legal Permanent Residents, are eligible to self-petition for legal permanent resident status, obtain employment authorization and other public benefits. The goal of this basics training is to give practitioners a basic overview of the requirements of a VAWA self-petition filing, document collection for a VAWA self-petition, inadmissibility issues, and identifying removal defense options for certain immigrant survivors of domestic violence. The following topics will be covered:

-Basics of VAWA Relief, Self-Petition Requirements
-Document Collection and Submission Package
-Inadmissibility waivers, establishing good moral character
-Confidentiality
-Removal Defense including VAWA Cancellation of Removal and VAWA Motions to Reopen
-Removal of Conditions "Battered Spouse" Waiver
-Trauma Informed Approach