For many immigrants living in the United States—especially those who are undocumented or out of legal status—life is already filled with uncertainty. But when they become victims of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, that uncertainty turns into fear, trauma, and vulnerability. Often, victims stay silent out of fear of deportation […]
Editorial credit: Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com Encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be terrifying—not just for undocumented immigrants, but for U.S. citizens and green card holders as well. The sight of ICE agents, the pressure of questioning, and the confusion about what you’re legally required to do can cause fear, panic, and even […]
Divorce is always challenging—but when immigration status is part of the equation, it becomes significantly more complicated. For couples in New York State, understanding the legal distinction between contested and uncontested divorces is the first step in navigating a separation. When one spouse is undocumented, the stakes are even higher, involving not just emotional and […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway for survivors of domestic abuse to apply for immigration relief without relying on their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child. VAWA allows these individuals to self-petition for a green card if they can demonstrate they were […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens Undocumented women in the United States face unique vulnerabilities that often expose them to exploitation. Among these risks is a pattern of abuse in which sex predators exploit their undocumented status by entering into manipulative marriages, not for love but as a means of control. These predators exploit the woman’s dependence […]
By Erin Telesford Domestic Violence (DV) is one of the most underreported crimes that take place in New York, yet it has some of the most extensive impacts on victims and those exposed to DV. Nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some […]
By Mary Campbell In the Caribbean community, people face many legal issues. Concerns include getting legalized, divorce, estate planning after a loved one has passed or is dying or being hurt in an auto accident or on the job. One common denominator, one common problem, one common philosophy, and one common sorrow is the issue […]
By Linda Nwoke, Special to CAW Several misconceptions exist on the issue of violence against women. However, key facts about violence against women are that it can be physical, psychological, or sexual and takes place in private and public spaces like the victims’ homes, the streets, or during the war. Secondly, violence against women and […]
By Ralph Ellis, WebMD The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, a lapsed law designed to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault, The New York Times reported. The VAWA provides funding for programs that support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, such as rape crisis centers, as […]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and immigrants are particularly vulnerable because many may not speak English, are often separated from family and friends, and may not understand the laws of the United States. For these reasons, immigrants are often afraid to report acts of domestic violence to the police or to seek other forms […]