MDIVANI CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRMPro Bono Program

Free Legal Services Provided to the Survivors:  I-360 petitions based on Domestic Violence Under the Violence Against Women Act, U Visa petitions, Applications for green cards, Naturalization for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Services for Battered Women and Children under the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”)

In 2022, Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm provided free legal services to immigrant women survivors of domestic violence in applying for legal status in the United States under the Violence Against Women Act.

WHAT WE FILED ON BEHALF OF SURVIVORS:

• I-360 Self-Petition as Survivor of Domestic Violence
• I-485 Applications for Green cards based on VAWA petitions
• I-765 Employment Authorization Documents to enable our clients to work legally in the United States

RESULTS:

• Numerous survivors were granted employment authorization, allowing them to work legally in the United States; and
• One survivor was granted a ten-green card allowing her to permanently reside in the United States free from fear of her abuser.

U Visas and U-Based Green Cards for Victims of Violent Crimes

In 2022, we continued providing free legal services to women and children victims of crimes falling within the U Visa category. These individuals are eligible to apply for status in the United States if they are a victim of a qualifying crime and are helpful in prosecuting the perpetrator.

WHAT WE FILED ON BEHALF OF SURVIVORS:

• I-918 U Visa petitions, for three victims and their derivative children
• I-192 Application for Advance Parole
• I-485 Application to Adjust Status
• I-131 Application for Travel Permission
• I-765 Employment Authorization Documents for our clients to work legally in the United States

RESULTS:

• We prepared multiple U Visa-based Green Card applications;
• USCIS approved 2 U Visa Petitions, granting survivors of domestic violence four years of eligibility to live and work in the United States and the opportunity to file for a green card; and
• USCIS approved work permit applications for abused women and their dependents and placed them in deferred action while their U Visa Petitions are pending.

Naturalization

If possible, we provide ongoing services to our pro bono clients as they become eligible. Specifically, we will work for justice for victims to gain status in the United States, then permanent residency (green card), on to U.S. citizenship. This year, we were proud to represent two clients in naturalization proceedings pro bono.

Replacement Applications

Our services range throughout the entire immigration process for our clients. We often jump into cases where the victim already has permanent residency but has had their evidence of residency (green card) stolen or destroyed by their abusers. Stealing passports, green cards, etc. is often used by abusers to control their victims. We prepared and received a replacement green card for one survivor in 2022.

Thoughts from Our Attorneys:

“It has been one of the most rewarding experiences as an attorney to be able to help someone get their permanent residence. I originally wanted to be an attorney to give back to the underserved community, and the program I get to work in does just that. I am grateful for the opportunity to impact these survivors in their everyday lives.” -Bryce Slaughter, our newest Corporate Immigration Attorney (interned with us through 2021-2022).

“It is a privilege to use our legal knowledge and advocacy skills to assist individuals with various immigration-related matters where the outcome will have a great impact on the course of their lives. Our pro bono program not only benefits those who may not have the resources or connections to obtain proper legal counsel, it also helps our attorneys stay actively involved in serving our community and focused on the bigger picture in life.” -Hadley Bybee, Corporate Immigration Attorney.