Our Multi-Ethnic Domestic Violence Project (MEDOVI) provides immigration legal services to foreign-born Maryland residents who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human sex trafficking. If you have been the victim of any of these crimes, MEDOVI’s staff may be able to help determine whether you qualify for legal status in the United States and related benefits (including work authorization). If you qualify, MEDOVI could help you apply for such benefits without having to rely on the perpetrator of the crime, such as an abuser. MEDOVI provides these free and low-cost services to individuals of all genders throughout the state of Maryland. MEDOVI’s services include:
- Help completing and filing VAWA self-petitions
- U-visa and T-visa applications
- Petitions to remove conditions on permanent resident status
- Citizenship petitions
- Limited affirmative asylum cases based on domestic violence
- Accompaniment to court hearings and help through the criminal process Information and advice about your legal rights and options
- Referrals to other programs in the community that may be able to help you MEDOVI can assist with continuing your immigration process and in filing for additional family members
- Continuing your immigration process and in filing for additional family members.
These services are not free, but are offered for a low-cost fee. Services available for parents, adult children, non-derivative spouses, and siblings include:
- Applications for Legal Permanent Residency (Green Cards)
- Work Permits
- Citizenship Adjustment of status