Our client “Maria”, a Mexican national, entered the United States across the border without a visa, with her only child at the time to reunite herself with her husband who had arrived a few months earlier in the same manner. During her first few years in the US, her husband (who was also undocumented) severely abused and mistreated her. He used her inability to communicate in English and her undocumented status to his benefit and scared her from seeking the help she needed. Finally, after a particularly violent episode where her husband pushed her and caused her to break her arm, our client filed a police report and a restraining order against her husband. Although the restraining order provided Maria one means of protection within this country, she remained without legal status, and was unable to legally work and provide for her children on her own. Our client felt helpless until she saw a television program during which, Massachusetts immigration Attorney, Desmond P. FitzGerald explained the process of obtaining a U-visa.
Maria, although reluctant to tell her difficult story, decided to contact our office. She met with attorney FitzGerald, who carefully reviewed her case and told her that she could qualify for the U visa, but that it was necessary that the police department agree to certify on her U visa application that she was helpful in the investigation regarding the abuse. Although it was difficult for Maria to relive her experience, we were able to assist our client in creating a strong U-visa application, including a personal statement describing the hardship both she and her children have suffered as a result of the abuse. Maria waited patiently for the processing of her U-visa to go through, and after 9 months, the USCIS made a favorable decision in her case based on the application and documentation prepared by our, Boston immigration law office. Our client was granted U-visa status, and will be able to apply for her legal permanent residency in 3 years.