Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition Project

Project Description:
This is a unique self-help program that serves undocumented women who suffer physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse by their spouses who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and who try to protect themselves from their crimes by threatening to deport their wives if they go to the police to file a complaint. Through the VAWA project, TCRP helps these women file self-petitions with the INS for a deferral of deportation documents and work authorization. Once granted legal status and employment papers, these women can escape their abusive situations without fearing that they and/or their children will be deported.  They can also seek work outside of their home and become more self-sufficient and financially capable of caring for themselves and their children without being dependent on their abusive spouses or social agencies.  TCRP pays all the INS filing fees, as well as copying and administrative costs for the women.

Target Population:
Low-income, Spanish speaking women in rural areas of west and central Texas, principally those in towns and communities close to the border or "one step" beyond the border where VAWA services are not available.

Geographic Service Area:
Statewide rural areas of Texas