Humanitarian Cases

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers humanitarian programs to assist immigrants needing assistance because of certain urgent circumstances. Immigration lawyer Mustafo Davlatov helps individuals obtain humanitarian immigration status, specifically including protection provided by the Violence Against Women Act and Special Immigrant Juvenile status. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Davlatov Law Firm, P.C. serves clients worldwide, with a primary focus on individuals and families from Central Asia and Turkey.

Compassionate Immigration Attorney with a Client Service Focus

After working for about a decade as an immigration lawyer in other law firms, Mustafo Davlatov established his own immigration firm in 2021. His practice focuses on helping individuals and families from Central Asia and Turkey receive assistance from an immigration lawyer attorney who understands their roots, culture, and language. The services at Davlatov Law Firm include assisting with humanitarian cases involving the Violence Against Women Act and Special Immigrant Juvenile status.

Having emigrated from Tajikistan in 2009, Mustafo has special insight into the concerns and issues faced by his clients. His compassion and personal dedication to clients have earned Mustafo a strong reputation as a client-focused, results-driven immigration lawyer who is passionate about helping clients successfully navigate the complex immigration system.

He believes it is important for clients to be able to communicate in their own language whenever possible, rather than relying on translation services. Mustafo and his paralegal team members are fluent in a number of languages, including Tajik, Russian, Uzbek, and Turkish.

Violence Against Women Act

The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) enables victims (both men and women) of domestic violence to self-petition for immigration status without relying on the abuser to file on their behalf, which allows abuse victims to seek both safety and independence from the abuser. Eligibility extends to these family members of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident:

  • Current or former spouse
  • Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
  • Child

A spouse may file as an abused spouse or as the parent of a child abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The spouse’s petition may include unmarried children under age 21 who do not file themselves as derivative beneficiaries. An abused child under the age of 21 may file for themselves and include their children. A child over age 21 but under age 25 may also file if they can demonstrate that the delay in filing was due to the abuse.

The applicant must demonstrate specific criteria to obtain immigration benefits under the Violence Against Women Act, including that they:

  1. Have or had a qualifying relationship with the abuser, as spouse, parent, or child;
  2. Have been a victim of battery or extreme cruelty;
  3. Reside or resided with the abuser; and
  4. Have good moral character.

Other requirements may also apply in specific situations.

A noncitizen who files a petition under the Act is known as a VAWA self-petitioner. If USCIS approves the petition, the applicant does not automatically receive immigration benefits but does receive immigration classification that may enable them to seek legal permanent residence (a green card) for themselves and their derivative beneficiaries if other requirements are met.

To pursue immigration classification as a VAWA self-petitioner, getting help from a knowledgeable immigration lawyer is strongly recommended. The eligibility requirements and processes are complex and must be carefully followed. Mustafo Davlatov has extensive experience helping clients navigate the VAWA process and obtain legal permanent residence after approval of a petition filed under the Violence Against Women Act.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

A juvenile in the United States who needs protection of a juvenile court due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile status. If SIJ classification is granted, the juvenile may qualify for lawful permanent residency and get a green card.

To be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile status, strict eligibility requirements apply. The applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Be under 21 years of age at the time the SIJ form is filed;
  2. Be living in the United States at the time of filing and at the time of the USCIS decision;
  3. Be unmarried at the time of filing and at the time of the USCIS decision;
  4. Have a valid juvenile court order issued by a state court in the U.S. that makes specific findings relating to abuse, abandonment, or neglect;
  5. Be eligible for USCIS consent (requires that the juvenile court order was not sought primarily to obtain an immigration benefit); and
  6. Have written consent from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement.

A juvenile who is granted Special Immigration Juvenile status may apply for adjustment of status, also known as lawful permanent resident status or a green card.

The SIJ process is detailed and complicated and should only be undertaken with assistance from an immigration lawyer familiar with the process. Mustafo Davlatov has the experience, knowledge, and skills to help with the process of obtaining Special Immigration Juvenile status.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

At Davlatov Law Firm, we help clients navigate humanitarian cases, including the complex processes of obtaining protection under the Violence Against Women Act and Special Immigration Juvenile status, as part of our wide-ranging immigration legal services. From our office in Brooklyn, New York, we assist clients worldwide.

Your first consultation is always free of charge. Please contact us or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your immigration concerns.