HELPING IMMIGRANT SURVIVIORS OF ABUSE
Program Representing Immigrant Survivors of Abuse (PRISA)
American Gateways' PRISA program assists immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes in applying for immigration benefits under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (VTVPA).
PRISA teaches survivors of abuse to advocate for themselves and assists with self-petitioning for legal permanent residency. Through VAWA this group of women are eligible for a U-Visa or a T-Visa under VTVPA. Obtaining immigration benefits through PRISA provides battered immigrants with the tools necessary to leave an abusive situation, recover from crisis, and become their own advocates.
Why Is This Project Important?
Threats of deportation are a common tactic used against both undocumented and documented immigrants in abusive relationships. Fears of deportation may also prevent victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, or other crimes from reporting these crimes and cooperating with law enforcement. By helping survivors obtain a legal immigration status, PRISA empowers immigrant survivors of abuse to leave an abusive situation and report the crimes committed against them without fearing deportation. PRISA also assists immigrant survivors of abuse in obtaining work authorization, which can break the cycle of abuse by providing economic empowerment and ease the path to healing as survivors recover from crisis.
What Benefits Are Available Through PRISA?
PRISA assists immigrant survivors of abuse in applying for the following immigration benefits:
VAWA - Available to an abused spouse or child of a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Risident. The applicant must have lived with the abuser during the marriage and prove her or his good moral character. Benefits include work authorization, chance to apply for permanent residency, and chance to apply for citizenship after 5 years.
U VISA - In an effort to increase reporting of crime within the immigrant community, victims who report then aid law enforcments efforts to bring perpetrators to justice are eligible for U-Visas. The perpetrator’s legal status is not relevant to the application. Cooperating victims may recieve work authorization, temporary (4 years) immigration status, and an opportunity to apply for permanent residency after 3 years.
T VISA - Available to human trafficking victims who have cooperated with law enforcement and who would suffer severe hardship if removed from the US. Benefits include work authorization, temporary (4 years) immigration status, chance to apply for permanent residency after 3 years.
What Services Does PRISA Provide?
PRISA provides legal representation to battered immigrants who qualify for relief under VAWA or VTVPA. Outreach and education programs are offered to battered immigrants, social service providers, attorneys and law enforcement officials regarding VAWA, PRISA's services and other community resources. Referrals are also given to other social and legal service agencies assisting survivors of family violence.
American Gatewas depends on donations from individuals and businesses in order to provide services to immigrant victims of violence. Please consider giving a donation to help pay for our work by clicking "Give Online" below.
