The U.S. provides foreign nationals with critical "humanitarian pathways" for immigration. GVD provides representation in many, but not all of these matters. For example, we assist:
ASYLUM SEEKERS in Maine, who want to apply to USCIS for asylum and do not have a case before the Immigration Court. Absent an exception, Asylum seekers have one year from the date of entering the U.S. to file a timely, initial application. This filing must show that:
they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country; and
that this persecution is happening to them because of their actual (or imputed) race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group; and
that the persecutor is their government or an entity their government is unwilling or unable to control.
For more information, please Contact Us for an initial consultation. (In certain circumstances, we also provide limited representation to individuals who need assistance filing their defensive asylum application with an Immigration Court.)
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILES or foreign nationals in Maine who are unmarried, under age 21, and have been abandoned, neglected, or abused by one or both of their parents. We primarily assist young people in this situation to petition USCIS after receipt of a predicate order from a Maine Court. Following USCIS approval, we also help each one to apply for work authorization and, as soon as possible, to apply for their green card as well. For more information, please Contact Us for an initial consultation.
VAWA - eligible spouses, former spouses, and children, who are suffering from past or present abuse by their USC or LPR sponsor, to immigrate without remaining in the abusive relationship and without that USC's or LPR's continued sponsorship. This pathway is also available to a parent suffering from past or present abuse by their USC son or daughter. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), foreign nationals of any gender who have been abused by a close relative (spouse, parent, or adult child) may be eligible to independently petition for themselves (self-petition) without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation in the immigration process. For more information, Contact Us for an initial consultation.
We also assist individuals from certain countries to seek protection from deportation and gain work authorization through:
PAROLE - specifically for nationals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, or Venezuela who meet the eligibility requirements; and,
TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS - specifically for foreign nationals from the 15+ "TPS designated countries" who meet the eligibility requirements