If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE. Please see a list of Milwaukee community resources at the end of this story.
Surviving domestic violence is a journey that often involves immense bravery and resilience, especially for undocumented immigrants who face additional barriers. The UMOS Latina Resource Center in Milwaukee, under the direction of Mariana Rodriguez, plays a critical role in this journey by supporting immigrant communities since 2001.
The center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Rodriguez, with over two decades of advocacy experience, recounts helping a hesitant undocumented woman at the start of her healing process.
“Her husband was very much an alcoholic, you know, abusive…came the weekends and he would disappear and would use all the money, come home broke,” Rodriguez recalls. “She came to us very hesitant — which I understand — very hesitant to speak against their relationship, hesitant to even consider separation, because of family and the thought of the children not having a father.”
For undocumented victims, reporting domestic violence can be especially daunting due to fears of deportation or repercussions for their abuser. “They don’t want to create any more issues,” Rodriguez explains. “They don’t want to create any harm on the batterer. They don’t want to see the batterer being deported.”
U Visas and VAWA Protections
To address these challenges, the U.S. introduced visas like the U Visa for crime victims and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) visa. These provide potential pathways to citizenship but require evidence of abuse, which can be difficult and time-consuming to gather.
Maria Peralta-Arellano
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WUWM
The VAWA visa, designed for those experiencing abuse from a U.S. citizen or legal resident family member, aims to simplify the process for victims to come forward. Rodriguez explains, “Part of why that came about was because…women who were married to U.S. citizens and that whole legal status was used against them.”
According to USCIS, nearly 70,000 VAWA petitions were filed in the 2024 fiscal year. Despite no cap on VAWA visas, many cases remain unreported due to fears of disbelief and navigating unfamiliar systems.
The Role of Legal Support
Legal assistance is crucial in these cases. Michael Longworth, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, notes that proving abuse requires comprehensive evidence, such as text messages or medical records. The process can take up to 43 months.
During this time, victims must stay safe and secure essential resources. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of a victim’s life beyond leaving the abusive relationship.
U Visa Complexities
U visas offer protection for undocumented individuals who suffer crimes like domestic violence, regardless of the abuser’s citizenship status. However, the annual cap of 10,000 visas means applicants often wait years in uncertainty.
To qualify, applicants must show cooperation with law enforcement. Longworth explains, “You’ll gather those with your supporting documents as well, so any affidavits that you have stating any physical or mental harm as a result from the crime that you’re filing the U visa for.”
Maria Peralta-Arellano
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WUWM
Despite these challenges, Rodriguez and her team remain dedicated to empowering survivors, offering them not just support but also a sense of community and hope for a safer future.
If you or a loved one is in need of help, these Milwaukee-area resources are available for you. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE.
