Our client’s story reflects resilience, hope, and the power of coordinated legal advocacy. When Sofia (fictitious name) first reached out to us in April 2021, her world was in crisis. She was seeking protection from her abusive Legal Permanent Resident spouse, worried for the safety of her young child with special needs, and unsure of where to turn for help. Over several years, our Family Law, Immigration, Public Benefits, and Case Management teams worked together to help her move from fear to safety, and ultimately to legal permanent residency in the United States.
Family Law Assistance
Our work began with urgent action. Sofia came to us desperate for a restraining order to protect herself and her child. Attorney Johanna Sanchez from our Family Law Unit stepped in right away, providing legal representation as the client navigated the domestic violence hearing. Thanks to this support, Sofia obtained a restraining order, full custody of her child, and legal representation throughout the process.
Recognizing the complexity of her situation, the Family Law Unit team quickly connected her to our Immigration Unit. At the same time, our case management staff provided critical crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to additional resources, ensuring her immediate needs were met as she began her legal journey.
Immigration Relief: VAWA-Self Petition
With her safety secured, Sofia focused on a more stable future. In January 2022, senior paralegal Claudia Batres and the Immigration Unit helped her file a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition as the abused spouse of a lawful permanent resident, along with an application to adjust her status for permanent residency. This was no small feat, as the COVID-19 pandemic made in-person meetings nearly impossible. Nevertheless, the Immigration Unit team adapted, using remote technology and creative solutions to make sure her application was filed accurately and on time.
After her VAWA petition was approved in 2025, Sofia entered the waiting period for her adjustment of status. While she waited, she received a work permit, which allowed her to support herself and her child.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order Renewal
In June 2024, Sofia’s domestic violence restraining order was set to expire. With the support of our Family Law Unit and paralegal Gwenn Rocca, she received assistance and successfully obtained a renewal for an additional three years. This renewed order continues to protect her and her child from abuse and neglect.
Navigating a Work Permit Renewal and Unemployment Benefits Denial
Even as she worked hard to build a new life, challenges persisted. When her work permit expired in 2025, our Immigration Unit filed her renewal application well in advance. However, systemic delays at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held up her new permit and pushed the renewal waiting time to 540 days. During this delay, Sofia lost her job and applied for unemployment benefits through California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). Her claim was denied because her work permit had expired.
Because the renewal had been filed on time, she was legally entitled to an automatic extension of her work authorization. Under the supervision of senior attorney Mahsa Maleki and with the help of Claudia Batres, our Immigration Unit sent a letter to EDD explaining the client’s eligibility and citing the law supporting automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions for timely-filed renewals. EDD disregarded the letter, and her benefits were denied again.
A Cross-Unit Response
Undeterred, our Immigration advocacy, led by Mahsa Maleki and Claudia Batres, advocated fiercely for her. Our Public Benefits Unit team joined the fight and provided supervision for Unemployment Compensation legal services. Through our joint efforts, Mahsa and Claudia researched immigration law and EDD regulations, prepared an Appeal Form and a brief, and prepared Sofia to testify at her EDD appeals hearing.
As a result, she won her unemployment appeal, secured the unemployment benefits she needed, and deserved. A few months later, her renewed work permit arrived. With these wins, she found new employment and continued providing for her family.
The Final Step: Adjustment of Status Approved
As her adjustment of status priority date became current, Sofia was finally scheduled for her USCIS interview in June 2026. Our team was by her side through multiple rescheduled appointments, providing interpretation and legal representation. On the day of her Adjustment of Status field office interview, the interviewing officer explained that internal directives called for heightened scrutiny of VAWA-Self Petitions based adjustment cases and asked whether the client would be willing to answer questions about her underlying VAWA petition if needed. Sofia, who had been prepared in advance for this possibility, agreed. The interview proceeded smoothly thanks to the team’s thorough preparation and the client’s courage. One month later, her green card arrived.
With her immigration status and family law issues resolved, Sofia is focused on building her career and pursuing stable employment. She is also able to fully support her minor child, a U.S. citizen, in accessing the mental health support and special needs services she deserves, without the fear of legal issues concerns that once weighed on her. Sofia’s journey is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, even the most daunting legal challenges can be overcome, and that survivors of violence deserve every opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
