With immigration laws tightening after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, many people are afraid and believe it’s no longer possible to fix their immigration status in the U.S. However, as an attorney with over 15 years of experience specializing in humanitarian visas, I continue to win tough cases daily—even under this strict administration—especially with VAWA, T, and U visas.
This is your friend, the immigration attorney, Maria Mendoza, writing you again. Today, I want to share a true story of one of the many cases I have recently been approved for, explain what legal options exist, and, above all, remind you that fear should not paralyze you: I am here to help, my people!
You may also be interested in: Donald Trump Signs Executive Orders Impacting Immigration in the U.S.
A Real Case Approved in 2025
The case I will share below was won through the VAWA Visa. This humanitarian visa protects victims of abuse or domestic violence by close relatives, such as spouses, ex-spouses (if divorced within the last two years), or sons or daughters who are U.S. citizens or residents over 21 years of age.
One of the most relevant things about the VAWA Visa is that it is a confidential process. It allows victims to seek safety and lawful status without involving their abuser in the case or leaving a negative mark on their immigration record. This is especially important because in many cases—especially when the abuser is a son or a daughter—the last thing a parent wants is to harm them. So, let’s take a look at this approved case:
VAWA Approval
Filed with USCIS: November 3, 2021
Approved: April 2025
Background:
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My client entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2006 and had never left the country.
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She was married to a U.S. citizen, but the relationship became abusive.
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We initially considered the I-601A waiver route but, due to the abuse, we changed the strategy and pursued VAWA instead.
Outcome:
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Approved after a 4-year wait.
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She is now in the process of applying for her Green Card.
Key factors for success:
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No serious criminal history.
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No re-entries or border crossings.
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Her detailed and consistent personal statement played a crucial role.
This case wasn’t too difficult to win because my client had a fairly clean background. I often take on much more complex cases—people who entered without documents, have multiple exits and re-entries, deportation orders, criminal records, and have been turned away by other attorneys who saw their case as “impossible.” And still, we win.
Watch more cases here: Are Cases Still Being Approved Under the Trump Administration?
For a free case evaluation, call +1 (202) 933-3379
How Long Does a Humanitarian Visa Take to Get Approved?
While it’s true that USCIS is now reviewing cases more rigorously—resulting in longer wait times—the laws protecting vulnerable individuals, such as the VAWA, T, and U visas, have not changed. These laws were created by Congress, and only the U.S. Congress can modify them.
Nowadays, the average approval time for a VAWA Visa case is about 4 years, while a T Visa may be approved in less time. Also, if your case has been pending for more than 4 years with no response, your attorney can file a complaint in federal court to speed things up. As always, with experience and a solid legal strategy, it is still possible to win, my people.
Read more: Humanitarian Visas: Relief for Difficult Situations.
Think You Can’t Fix Your Immigration Status?
The immigration journey can be long, but if you have already waited this long, why not try it now? Do not let fear stop you. Your future and your peace of mind are worth fighting for.
If you are in a difficult situation, do not assume there is no way out. Daily, I work with clients who believe their cases are nearly impossible—and still, we get approvals. If you think you may qualify for a humanitarian visa but fear or uncertainty is holding you back, contact us today. At The Mendoza Law Firm, your first case evaluation is completely free.
¡La lucha sigue!
Call or text +1 (202) 933-3379 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
