LIJC Student Assists Client in Securing VAWA

LIJC Clinical Student, Rebeca Gonzalez, '19

With the help of law Student Rebeca Gonzalez, LIJC Client Veronica recently received approval for her Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition and can consequently remain and work in the US without fear of deportation. A Mexican woman in her thirties, Veronica has called the U.S. her home since she arrived here at age two. She married a U.S. citizen who abused her throughout their long-term marriage, during which they had three children, all of whom are U.S. citizens. With Rebeca’s help Veronica was able to submit a VAWA Self-Petition requesting lawful status without the assistance of her abusive husband. Now that the application has been approved, Veronica will continue to work with Rebeca on her pending application for a U Visa, which would place her on the path to lawful permanent residence. “Her case helped me to be more empathetic,” says Rebeca, “and treat cases not like cases but like people. I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to work with her. I’m so happy she’s getting the relief she deserves.”