VAWA Self-Petition Attorney in San Antonio, Texas
Abuse Survivors
VAWA Self-Petitions: A Confidential Path to Safety and Status
No one should have to stay with an abuser to keep a path to immigration status. The Violence Against Women Act created a way out. It lets the abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petition for status on their own, confidentially, without the abuser's knowledge or cooperation. Despite its name, VAWA protects survivors of any gender.
At Lozano Law Firm, VAWA cases are handled with sensitivity and under the direction of Alfredo Lozano, Board-Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law. Our bilingual team serves survivors across San Antonio, Eagle Pass, and San Angelo, and your privacy and safety come first. Start with a free, confidential consultation.
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How a VAWA Self-Petition Works
VAWA is built around independence from the abuser. Understanding who can file and how confidentiality is protected is where we begin.
Who Can Self-Petition
An abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can self-petition, as can an abused child, and in some cases an abused parent of a U.S. citizen. The abuse can be physical or emotional, and the key is a qualifying relationship and a good-faith marriage where marriage is involved.
Confidentiality Protections
Federal law bars the government from sharing information about a VAWA case with the abuser, and it prohibits basing decisions solely on information the abuser provides. These protections let survivors seek safety without fear that filing will be used against them.
The Evidence
A VAWA petition documents the qualifying relationship, the abuser's status, and the abuse itself, along with good moral character and, for spouses, a good-faith marriage. Evidence can include records, photographs, affidavits, and the survivor's own detailed account, assembled in a way that protects your safety.
What Comes Next
An approved self-petition is often the gateway to a green card. Depending on the abuser's status and your situation, you may be able to move toward permanent residence, and we plan that path from the start.
Our Process
What to Expect
Free Case Evaluation
We start with a no-cost consultation to review your situation, explain your options, and identify the strongest path forward for your family.
Case Preparation
Our team assembles your petition with the documentation and evidence USCIS expects, prepared accurately the first time to avoid delays.
Filing & Follow-Through
We file, track deadlines, respond to USCIS, and prepare you for every interview until your case is resolved.
What to Expect With a VAWA Case
We start privately and at your pace. Nothing is filed until you are ready, and we build the petition, on Form I-360, around the confidentiality the law provides. You do not need the abuser's signature, cooperation, or knowledge at any point.
After the self-petition is approved, the path to a green card depends on whether your abuser is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and on your own circumstances. Survivors of a citizen spouse often have a more direct route, while others may wait for a visa to become available. We explain exactly where you stand and handle each step, including the eventual adjustment of status.
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Hire a Board-Certified Immigration Attorney
Fewer than five percent of Texas immigration attorneys are Board-Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Attorney Alfredo Lozano holds that distinction, and since founding the firm in 2006 he has brought a Marine Corps veteran's discipline, more than 20 years of immigration experience, and a fully bilingual team to every case the firm handles.
Our approach combines personalized counsel with the documentation rigor these cases demand, so your petition is prepared correctly the first time. Board Certification means the state has independently verified his experience, tested his knowledge, and confirmed his standing among peers, which is the kind of assurance that matters when your family's future is on the line.
Meet
Our Team
Our team includes experienced attorneys, legal professionals, and client-care specialists who share a common commitment: making the immigration process as clear and manageable as possible for every family we serve.
Alfredo Lozano
Managing Attorney
Board-Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law and a Marine Corps veteran who leads every case strategy.
Linda Hamilton
Attorney
Guides families and employers through petitions, waivers, and interviews with steady, detailed advocacy.
Minerva Gonzalez
Legal Assistant
Prepares documentation and keeps every case organized, accurate, and moving forward.
Mayra Juarez
Legal Administrator
Coordinates case management and client communication across our three Texas offices.
Work Authorization and the Prima Facie Determination
Many survivors need to support themselves and their children while a case is pending, and the VAWA process accounts for that. When USCIS reviews a self-petition and finds that it meets the basic requirements, it can issue a prima facie determination, which in many states opens access to certain public benefits. After the self-petition is approved, or once a petitioner has a pending application to adjust status, they are generally able to apply for a work permit and build financial independence apart from the abuser.
Timelines vary, and the strongest cases are organized and thorough from the first filing. Our bilingual team in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, and San Angelo prepares each self-petition with an eye toward both approval and the survivor's daily stability, so that safety and a steady path forward advance together rather than one at the expense of the other.
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How to Obtain Residency If You Are in the U.S. Illegally
Entering the country without inspection does not always close the door to a green card. Our free guide walks through the options that may apply, from Section 245(i) and Military Parole in Place to the I-601A provisional waiver, in plain language.
Download the guide to understand the paths that could be available to your family, then contact us for advice on your specific situation.
Confidential VAWA Help in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, and San Angelo
We serve survivors throughout South and West Texas, in English and Spanish, with discretion at every step. Our offices provide a safe, professional place to begin, and when meeting in person is not safe, we can start your case remotely. You control the pace, and everything you share is protected. Every consultation is free and confidential.
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Request Your Free Consultation
Tell us about your family's situation and our bilingual team will reach out to schedule your free case evaluation.
VAWA Self-Petition FAQs
Who qualifies for a VAWA self-petition?
The abused spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and in some cases the abused parent of a U.S. citizen. The abuse can be physical or emotional, and for spouses the marriage must have been entered in good faith. A qualifying relationship is the foundation.
Will my abuser find out that I filed?
No. VAWA is confidential, and federal law specifically prohibits the government from sharing case information with the abuser. You do not need the abuser's knowledge, cooperation, or signature to file, which is central to how the protection works.
Can men file under VAWA?
Yes. Although the law is named the Violence Against Women Act, its protections are gender-neutral. Any qualifying survivor, regardless of gender, can self-petition based on abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.
Do I have to still be married to file?
Not always. There are provisions for survivors whose marriage has ended in divorce related to the abuse within a certain time, and for other changed circumstances. Because timing rules apply, it is best to get advice about your specific situation early.
Does VAWA lead to a green card?
Often, yes. An approved self-petition is typically the first step toward lawful permanent residence. How quickly depends on whether the abuser is a citizen or a permanent resident and on your circumstances, and we handle the path through to the green card.
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Cases We Do Not Handle
Lozano Law Firm focuses exclusively on the practice areas listed above. We do not handle asylum or criminal immigration cases. When clients come to us with needs outside our scope, we refer them to trusted colleagues who specialize in those areas. Our referral network includes attorneys who handle asylum claims and criminal immigration consequences, so every person who contacts us receives direction toward the right help.
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Start Your Journey Today
Immigration goals should not wait. Whether you are exploring your options for the first time or ready to move forward with a case, our team is here to help. Contact Lozano Law Firm for a free case evaluation and let us put our Board-Certified expertise to work for you.
Schedule your free case evaluation today.
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