When pursuing immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the evidence you present can make the difference between an approval and a denial. Many applicants understand the importance of showing a relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and proving abuse. Still, they may not realize how nuanced the evidentiary process can be. USCIS often requires detailed, credible, and well-documented proof that goes beyond surface-level claims.
For immigrants in Chicago and surrounding communities such as Arlington Heights, Aurora, Champaign, Naperville, Schaumburg, having the proper evidence strategies in place is critical to securing protection and lawful status. Here, our Illinois immigration attorney, Shobhana Kasturi, explains.
Why Affidavits Matter in VAWA Cases
Affidavits are often the foundation of a strong VAWA petition. A personal affidavit allows the applicant to tell their story in their own words, giving context to the abuse, the relationship, and the hardships endured. This narrative must be detailed, consistent, and credible, as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers scrutinize it closely.
In addition, affidavits from family members, neighbors, coworkers, or friends can corroborate the applicant’s account. These supporting statements are compelling when the abuse occurred behind closed doors, leaving few official records. Our experienced immigration attorney helps ensure affidavits are drafted with clarity, precision, and the level of detail USCIS expects.
The Role of Therapy Records in Demonstrating Abuse
Many VAWA applicants seek counseling or therapy to cope with the trauma of abuse. Therapy records can be valuable evidence because they document both the existence of abuse and its emotional and psychological impact. Unlike general medical records, therapy notes often provide a more complete picture of patterns of control, threats, or emotional harm that are not always visible in physical injuries.
While there may be privacy concerns, selectively using therapy records can strengthen the case by showing consistent reports of abuse to a licensed professional. Our attorney guides applicants in balancing the need for strong evidence with the protection of sensitive personal details.
How Expert Opinions Can Strengthen a VAWA Petition
Expert opinions can play a decisive role in VAWA cases, especially when the abuse involves complex dynamics such as psychological manipulation, financial control, or cultural pressures. Domestic violence experts, psychologists, or other professionals can provide evaluations that explain how the applicant’s experiences fit recognized patterns of abuse.
These expert statements help USCIS officers understand the broader context, particularly in cases where physical evidence is limited. By connecting the applicant’s experiences to established professional knowledge, expert opinions can bridge the gap between personal testimony and legal standards of proof.
Building a Holistic Evidence Strategy
No single piece of evidence typically secures approval in a VAWA case. Instead, success often depends on a carefully curated combination of affidavits, therapy records, expert opinions, police reports, medical documents, and other supporting materials.
Our experienced attorney evaluates the applicant’s circumstances and determines the most persuasive evidence strategy. For individuals in Chicago and surrounding Illinois communities, this means having a legal team that understands both USCIS expectations and the real-life challenges survivors face in documenting their abuse.
Contact Our Chicago Area Immigration Attorney for Help Today
At Kasturi Law, we know that every VAWA case is unique and requires a thoughtful, compassionate approach to evidence collection and presentation. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes.
Contact us today to take the first step toward securing your future.
