Marriage Green Card Visas - Battered Spouses May File Without Abusive Spouse's Support

The USCIS has issued a memorandum providing guidance for approving I-130/I-485 petitions submitted by aliens married to or in an abusive relationship with their U.S. citizen spouses. This April 21, 2008 memorandum explains that the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows battered immigrants to petition for legal status on their own. In addition, victims of abuse may submit an I-360 petition for a special immigrant visa status. It also explains that such petitions may be approved even where the alien entered the U.S. without inspection. It essentially permits illegal aliens who are in such relationships to self-sponsor without relying on Section 245(I). It also explains the steps to take where a petition was previously denied because of illegal entry. [Read The Entire Marriage Visa Guidance For Self-Sponsorship]