Protecting Survivors Through the Power of Law
Protecting Civil Rights, Inc. (PCR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free and low-cost immigration legal services in Northeast Ohio, with a focus on immigrant survivors of domestic violence. Our practice includes VAWA self-petitions, U visas, family-based petitions, asylum, naturalization, and removal defense, delivered in each client's own language.
The Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was enacted by Congress to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking — including immigrants. Under VAWA, a survivor who is married to (or is the child or parent of) a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can file their own immigration petition, completely independent of the abuser.
"No one should be trapped in an abusive relationship because of their immigration status. VAWA gives survivors the power to choose safety."
— Protecting Civil Rights, Inc.
Your abuser is never notified, never contacted, and their cooperation is never required. The petition is filed directly with USCIS and is protected by strict federal confidentiality law. You retain full control of your case from start to finish.
Our Work With Abused Spouses Under VAWA
For many immigrant survivors, an abusive U.S. citizen or resident spouse controls their papers and wields the family petition as a tool of coercion. The Violence Against Women Act lets an abused spouse, child, or parent self-petition for lawful status confidentially, without the abuser's knowledge or consent. VAWA covers extreme cruelty as well as physical battery, and 8 U.S.C. § 1367 strictly protects the petition's confidentiality. PCR guides survivors through every stage in their own language — from trauma-informed intake through the self-petition, work authorization, permanent residence, and citizenship — building the legal foundation of a life in which safety no longer depends on the person who caused the harm.
About Protecting Civil Rights, Inc.
DOJ Recognition and Accreditation
PCR is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (OLAP) to provide immigration legal services under 8 C.F.R. Part 1292, and Executive Director Fadi Kayyali is a DOJ-accredited representative before DHS — both granted June 16, 2026. Mr. Kayyali holds an LL.B. (University of Jordan) and an LL.M. (Case Western Reserve University School of Law).
Verify on the official OLAP roster ↗We are a nonprofit organization based in Westlake, Ohio, dedicated to providing free and low-cost immigration assistance to domestic abuse survivors across all 50 states. We offer bilingual support in English and Spanish.
As a DOJ-recognized organization, PCR assists with and submits the necessary paperwork for VAWA. The organization also helps survivors find government resources such as the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, ACTION OHIO Coalition for Battered Women, and HUD's Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Resources for Multifamily Assisted Housing.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has expanded housing protections since 2013 when VAWA was signed into law. HUD's regulation applies to all multifamily assisted housing properties, including those with project-based Section 8, Section 202 and 811 supportive housing for the elderly and people with disabilities; Section 236 and 221(d)(3) below market and reduced interest rate programs; and the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance grant program.
100% Confidential
Your case, your identity, and your communications are never shared with anyone.
Free Consultations
We offer no-cost case reviews. You never pay just to ask for help.
Spanish Support
Our team provides full guidance in Spanish via WhatsApp — private and secure.
Nonprofit Mission
Every donation goes directly to funding survivor case support, not administration.
Survivors We've Helped
Names and identifying details are changed to protect client confidentiality.
I was terrified my husband could get me deported if I ever spoke up. My case worker walked me through every step of my VAWA self-petition and never once made me feel alone in it.
They helped me file for a Green Card without my abuser ever knowing. I finally feel like my future belongs to me and not to him.
I called in Spanish, terrified and unsure where to start. The team answered every question and made sure I understood my rights at every step.
Who Qualifies for VAWA?
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria. You do not need to check every box — speak with our team for a free eligibility review.
Spouse or Former Spouse
You were married to or divorced from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) who subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty.
Child of Abuser
You are the child of a U.S. citizen or LPR abuser — or you are a parent being abused by your U.S. citizen adult son or daughter.
Living in the United States
You must have resided in the U.S. with the abuser at some point. You do not need to be living with them now.
Good Moral Character
USCIS evaluates good moral character. Minor past issues do not automatically disqualify you — we help you navigate this requirement.
Suffered Battery or Extreme Cruelty
Physical violence, emotional abuse, isolation, financial control, and sexual violence all qualify. You do not need a police report to file.
No Joint Filing Required
Unlike traditional spousal immigration petitions, VAWA self-petitions require no involvement, signature, or knowledge of your abuser.
Benefits of a VAWA Self-Petition
Approval of your I-360 petition opens the door to legal protection, work authorization, and a permanent future in the United States.
Path to a Green Card
Once approved, you can apply to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident — the most important step toward stability and citizenship.
Work Authorization (EAD)
File for an Employment Authorization Document alongside your I-360. Work legally in the U.S. while your case is reviewed.
Deferred Action
Protection from deportation while USCIS processes your petition. Your immigration status cannot be used against you during this period.
Federal Confidentiality
Federal law (INA §384) prohibits USCIS from disclosing any information about your petition to your abuser, their family, or anyone else.
Access to Public Benefits
Approved VAWA petitioners may qualify for federal public benefits — including certain housing assistance — regardless of immigration status.
Protection for Your Children
Minor children can be included in your petition so they receive protection and a path to status alongside you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Our team is here to answer your questions confidentially. No pressure. No judgment. Just help.