Protecting the Rights of Immigrant Survivors of Abuse Through Humanitarian Relief

You don’t have to stay in an unsafe situation to protect your legal status. We help survivors of abuse find safety—and lawful immigration relief.

Protect Your Safety and Your Future

Immigration Options for Survivors of Abuse, Violence, or Coercion

Immigrants who suffer abuse at the hands of a spouse, parent, or employer often fear that leaving their situation could mean losing their path to legal residency. But U.S. immigration law provides critical protections for survivors—especially when the abuser is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or employer.


At Pedro L. Salim Law Firm, we help battered or abused immigrants apply for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U Visas, and T Visas. We understand the fear, isolation, and emotional trauma our clients face. That’s why we offer confidential, compassionate legal support that empowers you to break free—and begin building a secure future.



Whether your abuser is your spouse, parent, or employer, we can help you pursue immigration status independently, without relying on their participation or consent.

A white and blue triangle on a white background.

You Don’t Need Your Abuser to Petition for You

Self-Petitions and Special Visas for Victims of Abuse or Crime

Immigration protections are available for people who have experienced:


  • Physical or emotional abuse from a U.S. citizen or green card-holding spouse, parent, or child
  • Coercion, blackmail, or intimidation related to immigration status
  • Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or extreme cruelty
  • Victimization through human trafficking, forced labor, or exploitation
  • Serious crimes where the victim cooperated with law enforcement


We help clients file:


  • VAWA self-petitions (Form I-360) without needing the abuser to sign or participate
  • U Visas for victims of crimes who reported the incident to police and helped the investigation
  • T Visas for victims of trafficking or labor exploitation
  • Work permit (Form I-765) applications and green card filings after petition approval
  • Waivers of inadmissibility for survivors with immigration violations, unlawful presence, or criminal history


We also help abused spouses in marriage-based immigration cases convert their application to a self-petition to avoid relying on their abuser.

VAWA Self-Petitions (Form I-360)

Allows abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders to apply for immigration status independently of the abuser.

U Visa for Crime Victims

Available to individuals who suffered serious physical or mental abuse as a result of a qualifying crime and cooperated with law enforcement.

T Visa for Victims of Human Trafficking

Provides protection and work authorization for victims of trafficking who agree to assist in investigations or prosecutions.

We help survivors transition from visa to green card and eventually citizenship ( /immigration-law/citizenship ).

Special waivers allow survivors to overcome bars to admissibility caused by unlawful entry, overstays, or minor criminal issues.

If you’re in removal proceedings, we coordinate abuse-based relief as part of your defense.

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What You’ll Need to File a Strong VAWA or U/T Visa Case

Building a Legal Case Without the Abuser’s Participation

Our goal is to make the process as safe and supportive as possible. You do not need to confront your abuser or involve them in your case.


Strong abuse-based petitions often include:


  • Personal declarations describing the abuse, relationship, and its impact
  • Police reports, restraining orders, or medical records (if available)
  • Psychological evaluations or therapy records showing trauma
  • Witness letters from family, friends, or community members
  • Proof of shared residence and relationship (e.g., photos, lease agreements, mail)
  • Evidence of good moral character and community involvement
  • Certified translations of documents in another language

We work with trauma-informed care providers, social workers, and immigrant advocates to build cases that demonstrate both legal eligibility and human truth. We also ensure that victims in detention receive timely and confidential legal support.

Battered Immigrant FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Options for Abuse Victims

  • Do I have to press charges or file a police report to qualify?

    Not necessarily. While U Visas often require law enforcement cooperation, VAWA petitions do not require police involvement or criminal charges.

  • Can men apply for VAWA or abuse-based visas?

    Yes. VAWA and related protections apply to all genders, including male victims of abuse and nonbinary survivors.

  • Will my abuser find out I applied?

    No. VAWA and U Visa filings are confidential. USCIS will not notify your abuser or share information with them.

  • Can I get a work permit while waiting for my petition?

    Yes. In most cases, you can apply for a work permit while your VAWA or U Visa case is pending. We help with Form I-765 filings.

  • Can I be deported while applying for a VAWA or U Visa?

    If you're in removal proceedings, applying for relief may stop or delay your deportation. We handle deportation defense cases that involve abuse survivors.