VAWA & U/T-Visa Protection
Status and safety for survivors of abuse, crime, and trafficking — independent of your abuser.
Protection for survivors
What are VAWA self-petitions and U and T visas?
Three confidential routes to status: a VAWA self-petition filed independently of an abusive relative, a U visa for victims of crime, and a T visa for survivors of trafficking.
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A VAWA petition is filed alone.
An abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can petition without the abuser's signature, permission, or knowledge.
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U and T visas turn on harm and cooperation.
A U visa is for someone who suffered substantial abuse from a qualifying crime and helps the investigation. A T visa is for a survivor of severe trafficking.
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Family can be carried along.
Qualifying spouses, children, and sometimes parents and younger siblings can be included, and each route leads toward work authorization and eventually a green card.
Our approach
How Olvera Law Office works with survivors.
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Start confidentially, at your pace.
The first conversation is about what happened and what evidence exists, without judgment and without obligation. A safe mailing address goes on whatever is filed.
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Build the record the case rests on.
Your own declaration carries these petitions. We develop it alongside protective orders, medical records, messages, and witness statements, and request the certification a U visa requires.
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Clear what stands in the way.
Old orders, prior violations, and most other grounds of inadmissibility can be waived under a standard written to be generous — including for someone already in removal proceedings.
Eligibility
Eligibility.
Being undocumented, having no police report, and never having sought treatment do not disqualify you.
VAWA is gender-neutral, and battery or extreme cruelty covers emotional abuse, threats, isolation, financial control, and threats to have you deported. A former spouse can still self-petition.
A U visa needs a qualifying crime, substantial harm, and a certification signed by law enforcement. For a T visa that declaration helps but is not required, and survivors who were minors or cannot cooperate are exempt.
Book a Consultation
Start with a consultation.
As an immigration attorney, Mosiah Olvera reviews your case, identifies the strongest path forward, and helps you take the next step.
Related services
Explore related immigration services.
Your case may touch more than one area of immigration law.