U.S. Green Card Eligibility Expanded for Abuse Victims

The U.S. government has specified categories of abuse victims who may qualify for Green Cards, as per federal law. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), an abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can file a self-petition for a Green Card.

Additionally, unmarried children under 21 years old of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, as well as abused parents of U.S. citizens, are eligible. A separate category exists for children qualifying as Special Immigrant Juveniles, who must have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent.

Furthermore, the Cuban Adjustment Act allows abused spouses or children of Cuban natives or citizens to apply for residency if they experienced battery or extreme cruelty. Similarly, the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) provides eligibility for abused spouses or children of lawful permanent residents who obtained their status through HRIFA.

Applicants must demonstrate abuse by a qualifying family member and meet specific immigration criteria.