Name: LegalService
Item: Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.
Rating: 5
Author: Fahad Farooq

Economic empowerment programs (EEP) can be incredible resources for people who are leaving an abusive relationship with a spouse or family member. Many people who are being abused may put their lives on hold or feel dependent on the abuser, which can make it harder to leave and not return to the abuser. Economic empowerment programs help survivors of abuse access the tools they need to be self-sufficient and safe.

Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., provides personalized immigration legal services to people applying for a Green Card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), asylum, or other need-based laws. We understand how challenging and uncertain it may feel to leave an abusive relationship and decide to become independent. Our experienced VAWA lawyer can help you apply for VAWA protections and connect you with community-based services.

What Are Economic Empowerment Programs (EEP)?

Economic empowerment programs are programs that provide financial, housing, employment, academic, budgeting, and other resources to people who have been abused. These programs help break the cycle of abuse and dependence so survivors can feel empowered and become independent.

Without these organizations, survivors of abuse may feel isolated or as if they do not have the tools to improve their situations. EEP programs help create a sense of community, so survivors are supported and have somewhere to turn as they try to establish themselves after an abusive relationship ends.

How EEPs Help Survivors of Abuse Become Financially Independent

An economic empowerment program can give domestic violence survivors the financial tools to develop an independent life. The person who was being abused may have had to depend on the abusive spouse or family member to provide for their physical, financial, immigration, or other needs.

If the survivor knows how to budget their money, locate housing, and get a practical education or job, this can help reduce the chance they will fall into another abusive situation. Additionally, it can make them feel empowered and safe in their new life after the abusive relationship ends.

Types of Support Offered Through Economic Empowerment Programs

Economic empowerment programs can provide a range of services to domestic abuse violence survivors, including the following:

Training for a new job or sharpening their skills in their existing job
Locating safe and affordable housing
Getting a certificate, GED, higher education, or other schooling they need to succeed
Taking financial literacy courses
Obtaining grant or loan funding

Additionally, domestic violence survivors may be able to access business services through an economic empowerment program. These resources may include help with understanding the steps involved in starting and running a small business. They might also include educational courses to train survivors on how to address a specific issue, such as managing money or their new business.

Where To Find Economic Empowerment Support in Your Area

You can find economic empowerment resources in your area online or by contacting an aid organization. Some of these programs are administered by a federally funded agency, but others may be nonprofit or private.

VAWA attorneys may also know agencies that may provide financial, academic, housing, and job training services in different areas.

Because of this, contacting an attorney who serves the VAWA community may be appropriate. The attorney can also help the person apply for lawful permanent residency under VAWA or a similar program, like asylum.

How To Apply for VAWA-Linked Economic Empowerment Services

You can apply for VAWA-linked economic empowerment services by following the requirements of the particular organization in your area.

Each agency will have its own rules and procedures for applying for its services and seminars. You may have to prove your residency or provide background information on why you qualify for their resources. Additionally, the EEP may ask you to meet minimum requirements throughout the program.

Who Qualifies for a VAWA Green Card?

One crucial step for many non-U.S. citizen survivors of domestic abuse is to get their Green Card under the VAWA program. The Violence Against Women Act allows some survivors of domestic violence to apply for a Green Card if they are being abused by a United States citizen or a Green Card holder.

VAWA also allows the applicant to request a Green Card as a self-petitioner rather than requiring them to have a relative sponsor them.

Allowing someone to self-petition under VAWA helps protect the survivor’s identity and information so the abuser cannot use the immigration process against them.

Challenges Faced by Survivors Seeking Financial Independence

Survivors of domestic abuse or violence may find it challenging to leave their abusers because they are dependent on them for their needs. For example, their abuser may be the sole financial provider or may have stolen substantial money from the survivor. Survivors may find it challenging to decide to leave, create a plan to safely exit the situation, and move forward to become independent.

Economic empowerment programs can fulfill this need, equipping the survivor with practical tools to build an independent life of their own.

Instead of depending on their abuser for financial, housing, or physical support, the survivor can learn how to get the money, affordable housing, or other resources they need.

Contact an Experienced VAWA Lawyer at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.

If you have left or are considering leaving an abusive relationship, you may find it helpful to apply for a Green Card using VAWA. VAWA allows people to apply for a Green Card if they are being abused by a United States citizen or a Green Card holder and meet other eligibility criteria. The person may also benefit from using an economic empowerment program to develop a strategy to lead them to independence and safety.

The team at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., focuses its resources on supporting people at all stages of the immigration process, including VAWA and asylum. Medya Ansari is a first-generation immigrant from Iran, and her family was a victim of family separation.

She uses her firsthand experience and legal knowledge to help her create effective and well-researched solutions to her clients’ immigration challenges. Contact Medya today at 408-292-7995 and schedule an initial consultation.

★★★★★

My family and I are incredibly grateful to Medya Ansari and her team for their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. They were patient, communicative, and kept us informed every step of the way, ensuring we fully understood the process. Medya was upfront about the possible outcomes and risks, providing us with clear guidance. Once we decided to move forward, she was persistent and committed to finding a solution. We truly appreciate her efforts and highly recommend her and her team!

Mohammad Adeel

I had a wonderful experience with Getachew & Ansari Immigration Firm. I was referred to them by another lawyer I trust and have known for a long time. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable working with Medya, who was thorough and maintained an optimistic attitude toward my case involving prosecutorial discretion.

Fahad Farooq

I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Media Ansari at Getachew and Ansari Immigration Attorneys. From the very first consultation, Media was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate. She took the time to thoroughly understand my case and provided clear, honest guidance every step of the way.

Going through the asylum process is extremely stressful, but Media's professionalism and dedication gave me confidence and peace of mind. She was always available to answer my questions, explain legal terms in ways I could understand, and ensure that all documents were meticulously prepared and submitted on time.

Thanks to her hard work and expertise, my case had a successful outcome, and I truly believe I could not have done it without her. I highly recommend Media Ansari and the entire team at Getachew and Ansari to anyone in need of reliable and compassionate immigration representation. They are truly the best in the field!

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Much love and respect to her and her team!

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Medya and her exceptional team at Getachew & Ansari Immigration have been the guiding stars on my challenging path towards securing my green card. As I look back on the years we've spent together, they have become more than just my migration lawyers; they have become an extension of my family. From day one, my case was a maze of complexities and obstacles, but Medya's expertise and her team's dedication transformed the seemingly impossible into a reality. what truly sets Medya and her team apart is their personal touch. They are not just legal professionals; they are genuine friends who care deeply about the well-being of their clients. They've walked beside me, understanding not only the intricacies of immigration law but also the emotional and psychological toll it can take on individuals. Throughout the journey, there were moments of despair and hopelessness. But Medya and her team were always there to provide a ray of hope, offering kind words, a listening ear, and a comforting presence. Their knowledge, professionalism, and expertise are unparalleled, but it is their humanity and compassion that truly shine. In a world where legal matters can often be impersonal and intimidating, Medya and her team have redefined what it means to have immigration representation. They've transformed the legal process into a deeply personal and transformative journey, and I couldn't be more grateful for their guidance. To Medya and her incredible team, you are not just legal professionals; you are guardians of dreams, friends, and cherished family. Thank you for your unrelenting support, your kindness, and your unwavering dedication.

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Alison Y.

Economic Empowerment Programs Under VAWA