Marriage Green Card and VAWA Process: Lakshmi’s Story of Strength
[Please note: The Client’s name and case key details may have been altered to preserve the identity of the client. This Success Story about Marriage green card and VAWA process is not intended to be an offer of service or case plan. Every case is unique. The Success Story is presented for information purposes only.]
Lakshmi arrived in the United States in 2015 on an F-1 visa to study fiber optics and earn an advanced degree. After graduation, she married Ritwik, a U.S. citizen and successful draftsperson at a prestigious firm. Their marriage in 2020 seemed like the beginning of a bright future.
Applying for a Marriage Green Card
Immediately after the wedding, Lakshmi and Ritwik contacted our Cleveland office for help with the marriage green card and VAWA process. Our team filed an I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and an I-485 (Application for Legal Permanent Residency) on Lakshmi’s behalf. We also submitted an I-765 so she could accept a lucrative job offer.
Just months later, Lakshmi called us in distress. She had separated from Ritwik due to mental and physical abuse. Fearing that Ritwik might withdraw her marriage green card application, Lakshmi worried about her future and her family in India who depended on her support.
Turning to VAWA
Although no police report was filed, Lakshmi had therapy records and a journal documenting the abuse. Based on this evidence, we filed an I-360 under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Furthermore, allowing Lakshmi to self-petition as the abused spouse of a U.S. citizen. We also submitted a new green card application that did not require Ritwik’s sponsorship.
By December 2020, Lakshmi’s I-360 was approved. She had secured her own home, excelled at work, and continued therapy. Surprisingly, Lakshmi and Ritwik began couples counseling, and Ritwik sought help for his personal issues. While reconciliation remained uncertain Lakshmi was deeply grateful for the independence she gained through the marriage green card and VAWA process. If you or someone you know needs help with the marriage green card and VAWA process, contact us today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.