An immigration lawyer consulting a woman who wants to apply for permanent residency

When your safety and future are at stake, you deserve an attorney with the highest level of experience and credibility. At Donald Gross Law Group, we help survivors of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty secure lawful permanent residency under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Donald Gross, founder and managing partner, is an internationally recognized immigration and international law attorney. His legal insights have been featured by CNN, MSNBC, Fox Business News, Voice of America, and The Wall Street Journal, making him a trusted authority for clients navigating some of the most complex immigration challenges.

From our Washington, D.C. office, we represent clients across the D.C. metro area, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, guiding them through VAWA self-petitions with compassion, discretion, and unparalleled expertise.

What Makes Donald Gross Law Group Different

VAWA petitions can feel deeply personal and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this process alone. Our firm offers:

  • National recognition for immigration leadership and legal insight
  • Global support with offices in Washington, D.C., Mexico City, Lisbon, Bangkok, and Beverly Hills
  • A multilingual legal team fluent in English, Spanish, and French
  • Decades of experience helping survivors of abuse rebuild their lives safely and securely
  • Strict confidentiality at every stage to protect your safety

Understanding VAWA Immigration Relief

VAWA was created to give survivors a safe, independent path to lawful permanent residency without relying on their abuser. It allows certain spouses, parents, and children of abusive U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to self-petition for a green card confidentially.

You may qualify if you:

  • Are married to or recently divorced from a U.S. citizen or green card holder
  • Are the parent of a U.S. citizen who has abused you
  • Are the child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has abused you
  • Have experienced physical abuse, extreme emotional cruelty, or psychological harm

Did you know? According to USCIS, more than 25,000 VAWA self-petitions were approved last year, giving survivors a path to safety, stability, and independence.

How Our Attorneys Help

Applying for VAWA relief involves extensive documentation and sensitive evidence. At Donald Gross Law Group, we take a trauma-informed approach, guiding you through every step:

  • Preparing and filing your VAWA self-petition (Form I-360)
  • Building a strong case with detailed evidence of abuse and relationship eligibility
  • Assisting with your green card application once your petition is approved
  • Representing you before USCIS and, if necessary, in immigration court
  • Coordinating with advocacy networks to connect you with resources and counseling
  • Ensuring complete confidentiality to protect your safety at all times

Serving the Entire Washington, D.C. Metro Area

From our Washington, D.C. office, we proudly serve clients across the region, including:

  • Northern Virginia: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax
  • Maryland: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville
  • Greater D.C. Area: Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle

We also represent clients worldwide through secure, private virtual consultations.

FAQs About VAWA Immigration Relief

Q1. Will my abuser know I filed a VAWA petition?

No. VAWA self-petitions are completely confidential. USCIS does not contact your abuser at any stage.

Q2. How long does it take to receive a green card under VAWA?

Processing times vary, but most cases take 12–24 months from filing to approval.

Q3. Can men apply for VAWA protections?

Absolutely. Despite its name, VAWA protections are available to all genders.

Q4. What if I don’t live in Washington, D.C.?

We can represent clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and beyond through secure online consultations.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

You are not alone. If you believe you may qualify for immigration relief under VAWA, contact Donald Gross Law Group today for a confidential consultation. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for your right to safety and security..