US Tightens Citizenship Rules for Immigrants Claiming Domestic Abuse

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced stricter guidelines for immigrants filing for citizenship under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) due to a surge in claims. Between 2020 and 2024, female self-petitions citing abuse rose 360%, while male claims increased 259%.

The new rules aim to curb potential misuse of the program and strengthen USCIS oversight. Key changes include:

• USCIS will have sole discretion in determining credible evidence and its weight.
• Self-petitioners must have lived with the alleged abuser during the qualifying relationship.
• Petitioners must provide primary evidence of a good-faith marriage with the abuser.
• Evidence is now required to show ongoing relationships in cases where a step-parent or child dies during the process.

VAWA, passed in 1994, allows abused immigrants to self-petition for immigration benefits without the abuser’s involvement, ensuring safety and independence. USCIS emphasizes the changes aim to protect program integrity and combat fraud.