We at Just Neighbors are honored to share Anna’s* story. Today, we celebrate her approval for deferred action under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Anna first came to the United States with her first husband. After four years, that marriage ended in divorce. Later, she married a U.S. citizen. Soon after their wedding, the abuse began. He hurt her both physically and emotionally. At the same time, he threatened to have her deported if she contacted the police.
In an effort to control the situation, he pushed for couples therapy. He hoped the therapist would take his side. When that did not happen, he stopped attending. However, the therapist continued to support Anna. As a result, she helped Anna connect with Just Neighbors and learn about protections under VAWA.
Before finding Just Neighbors, Anna searched for help at shelters. Each time, staff turned her away. By then, she had no home and no support. Still, people told her that her situation was not “extreme enough.”
Looking back, Anna shared,
“It was a relief to have someone answer me. I wasn’t told, ‘We don’t work with people like you.’ That had been my experience before.”
At Just Neighbors, staff attorney Eva Marie Carney worked closely with Anna. Together, they gathered evidence for her case. In addition, Eva helped Anna write the detailed personal statement required for her VAWA application. Most importantly, Eva listened with care and patience.
According to Anna,
“She understood that I was in survival mode. That kind of empathy is the highest form of professionalism.”
With courage, Anna described the abuse she suffered at the hands of her former husband. In April 2022, she and Eva filed her I‑360 (VAWA petition) and I‑485 (adjustment of status) applications. Throughout the process, Anna felt supported and believed.
Reflecting on that experience, she said,
“The work of Just Neighbors is not only legal. It is also emotional. It means listening to someone’s story and trusting them.”
When Anna confided in friends, many told her to stay quiet. They urged her not to provoke her husband. Even so, Eva stood by her side the entire time.
Anna later shared,
“I knew I was in good hands. Eva is calm and steady. You can tell she knows exactly what she’s doing.”
After filing, Anna waited for a decision. Day after day, she checked her case status. Finally, in March 2026—nearly four years later—she received life‑changing news. USCIS approved her VAWA petition and granted her deferred action!
With deep joy, Anna exclaimed,
“When I saw the approval, I burst into tears. My advice is patience. Just believe. I checked my case every day for four years.”
Today, Anna is moving forward with hope. She recently started her own business. At the same time, she feels inspired to support other survivors of abuse. She is now responding to a final request for evidence as she completes her adjustment of status application.
We look forward to sharing more as Anna continues her journey toward lawful permanent residency—and, we hope, her green card.
*Client’s name changed for privacy purposes.