VAWA Self-Petition Attorney in Waco, Texas
Violence Against Women Act
A Confidential Path to Status, Without the Abuser's Involvement
The Violence Against Women Act allows certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have suffered abuse to petition for immigration status on their own. Despite the name, VAWA protects men and women alike, and it covers spouses, children and parents. The abuser is never notified, and federal law prohibits USCIS from sharing your information with them.
Many people stay in dangerous situations because they believe their immigration status depends on the abuser. It does not have to. Abogados Vasquez Law Firm prepares VAWA self-petitions with the care and privacy they require, gathers the evidence of abuse and the relationship, and guides you toward a work permit and, ultimately, a green card. Every conversation is confidential and available in Spanish.
What We Handle
How We Help With VAWA
Eligibility Assessment
You may qualify if you are, or were, the spouse, child or parent of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty, you lived with that person, and you are a person of good moral character. Extreme cruelty includes emotional, psychological and financial abuse, not only physical violence.
Building the Evidence
Abuse is often undocumented. We help you assemble what exists, such as police reports, protective orders, medical records, photos and messages, and we prepare your personal declaration and statements from people who witnessed the abuse or its effects.
Form I-360 Self-Petition
We prepare and file the petition with USCIS's specialized unit, request the confidentiality protections the law provides and respond to any request for evidence.
Work Permits and Deferred Action
Approved self-petitioners, and in many cases those with a pending petition, may receive a work permit and protection from removal while waiting for a green card.
Green Card Through VAWA
Spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens can usually apply for adjustment of status at the same time as, or right after, the self-petition. Relatives of permanent residents wait for a visa to become available. Certain immigration bars that block other applicants do not apply to VAWA adjustment.
Safety Planning and Referrals
We work alongside local advocates and shelters when you need them and can coordinate with your protective order case in McLennan County.
Our Process
What to Expect
- 1
Consultation
We review your immigration history, ask the questions that matter and tell you honestly which options may be available to you.
- 2
Case Preparation
We assemble your application, supporting evidence and translations, and prepare you for biometrics and interviews.
- 3
Filing and Follow-Through
We file with USCIS or the immigration court, track deadlines, respond to requests for evidence and keep you informed at every step.
What to Expect
VAWA cases are decided by a dedicated USCIS center. After filing you receive a receipt and, if the petition appears approvable, a notice of prima facie determination that can help you access certain public benefits. Processing takes time, often more than a year, but you may be eligible for work authorization while you wait. We keep your file secure and communicate only through the contact methods you choose.
Your Waco Immigration Attorney
Work With an Attorney Devoted to Immigration Law
Esmeralda Sosa SerratosImmigration Attorney
Esmeralda Sosa Serratos is a Texas-licensed immigration attorney with over a decade of experience dedicated to representing immigrants and their families, with a particular focus on removal defense, immigration litigation, and complex immigration matters.
Where We Serve
Serving Waco and Central Texas
Our office is on Lake Air Drive in Waco, a short drive from downtown, Baylor University and the McLennan County Courthouse. We serve clients across Waco, Bellmead, Woodway, Hewitt, Robinson, Lorena, McGregor, West and the surrounding communities of McLennan County, as well as Temple, Killeen, Hillsboro and the rest of Central Texas. Consultations are available in person, by phone or by video, in English or Spanish.
Waco Office
Talk to an Attorney Today
Call our Waco office and speak with our bilingual team in English or Spanish.
Se Habla Español
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Office: 1215 Lake Air Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Get directions
FAQ
VAWA FAQs
Does VAWA only protect women?
No. Despite the name, VAWA protects spouses, children and parents of any gender who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member.
Will my abuser find out?
No. The abuser is not notified and is not part of the process. Federal law prohibits USCIS from releasing information about your petition to them.
Do I need a police report?
No. A police report helps, but it is not required. Declarations, medical records, counseling records, messages and statements from witnesses can all establish abuse.
Can I apply if I am divorced?
Yes, if the divorce happened within the last two years and was connected to the abuse. Spouses whose abuser lost status because of a domestic violence conviction may also qualify within two years.
Can I apply if I entered without inspection?
Often, yes. VAWA self-petitioners who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can generally adjust status even after an entry without inspection.
Contact Us
Start With a Consultation
Whether you were hurt in an accident, need help with an immigration matter or are facing a criminal charge, the first step is a conversation. Tell us what happened, and we will explain your options in plain language, in English or Spanish.
Call (254) 900-7947 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and talk with our bilingual team. Se habla español.
Call Us Today
(254) 900-7947Call (254) 900-7947Se Habla Español
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Office: 1215 Lake Air Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Get directions