Training Materials

    ASISTA's White House Listening Session

    ASISTA's White House Listening Session on National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (Oct. 4, 2021)

    On October 4, 2021, ASISTA hosted a White House Listening Session to share insights and recommendations to the White House as they develop the U.S.'s first National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.

    Click here to access the session recording.

    Click here to access the presentation materials. 

    Legal Remedies for Crime Survivors & Hot Topics

    ASISTA OVW YouTube Channel (2015 - 2020)

    In this ASISTA OVW YouTube Channel you can find all webinar recordings presented from 2015 to present.

    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-049 & 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

    E-Learning Webinar: Strategies for Preparing Effective Principal and Corroborating Affidavits in U and VAWA cases (May 8, 2020)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for the recording. Click here for the recording.
    Representing Immigrant Survivors During COVID-19 (May 1, 2020)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for the recording. Click here for the recording.
    Advanced Practice Updates on VAWAs and U visas (March 25, 2020)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for the recording. Click here for the recording.
    Representing Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence: Enhancing Your Case Research (February 26, 2020)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for the recording. Click here for the recording.
    Intermediate and Advanced Caserounds in VAWAs and U Visas (February 6, 2020)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for the recording. Click here for the recording.
    Removal Proceedings: Pursuing Legal Relief for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (July 16, 2019)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. To download the presentation in PowerPoint version, click Here.
    Click here for recording
    Hot Topics in U and VAWA cases (April 23, 2019)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. To download the presentation in PowerPoint version, click Here.
    Click here for recording
    Supporting Your Legal Arguments: Techniques for Researching Immigration Remedies for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence (February 21, 2019)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. To download the presentation in PowerPoint version, click here.
    Click here for recording
    Open Case Rounds: U and VAWA Q&A (December 3, 2018)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Click here for recording
    Administrative Appeals, Motions to Reopen, and Motions to Reconsider (November 14, 2018)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Click here for recording
    Preventing and Responding to RFEs and NOIDs for U and VAWA Cases (October 22, 2018)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Click here for recording
    Assisting Derivatives of U Visa Applicants and VAWA Self-Petitioners (August 20, 2018)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Emerging Issues in U Visa Practice (June 19, 2018)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Supporting your Work with Immigrant Survivors: How ASISTA Can Help (March 3, 2018)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Which Status to Choose? (December 12, 2017)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Effective Responses to RFEs and Denials in VAWA and U Cases (November 7, 2017)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Updates on VAWA Self-Petitions and U Visas: Practice Pointers on Emerging Issues, Including Keeping Your Survivors Safe While Applying for Status (September 21, 2017)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Open “Case Rounds” for Intermediate/Advanced Q & A on U Visas & VAWA (August 8, 2017)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Open “Case Rounds” for Basic Q & A on U Visas & VAWA Self-Petitions (June 29, 2017)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Avoiding Detention and Removal for VAWA and U Survivors (March 2017)
    Webinar presented by: Cecelia Friedman Levin, ASISTA Senior Policy Counsel; and Gail Pendleton, ASISTA Executive Director.
    Enhanced Safety Planning for Immigrant Survivor of Domestic & Sexual Violence (February 24, 2017)
    Webinar presented by: Grace Huang, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence; Rosie Hidalgo, Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network; Leslye Orloff, National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project; Archi Pyati, Tahirih Justice Center; and Cecelia Friedman Levin, ASISTA. Click here for recording
    Actualizaciones Legislativas y Políticas: Celebración y Movilización (Abril 15, 2013)
    Presentado por ASISTA y Casa de Esperanza.
    Legislative & Policy Updates: Celebrating and Mobilizing (April 13, 2013)

    Presented by ASISTA & Casa de Esperanza.

    Immigration 101: An Introduction to the Immigration System (December 17, 2012)

    This webinar explains the basics of immigration law and how to better assist your immigrant client in general. Learn the basic concepts in immigration law, common immigration legal terms, an overview of the government agencies involved in making immigration decisions, and basic know-your-rights information for immigrant survivors affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and stalking. Click here for recording in English. Click here for recording in Spanish.

    VAWA Self Petition

    Webinar Series on Routes to Immigration Status for Non-Citizen Crime Survivors: Advanced VAWA: Addressing Complications in VAWA Cases and Securing Lawful Permanent Residence (Dec. 5, 2016)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
    Webinar Series on Routes to Immigration Status for Non-Citizen Crime Survivors: Intermediate VAWA and Selected Issues (Nov 7, 2016)
    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

    U Visa

    Webinar Series on Routes to Immigration Status for Non-Citizen Crime Survivors: "Advanced U Visas: Responding to Requests for Further Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny and Challenging Denials" May 8, 2017)

    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for recording.

    Webinar Series on Routes to Immigration Status for Non-Citizen Crime Survivors: "Intermediate U Visa: Complicated Issues in Preparing and Filing a U Visa" (Feb 6, 2017)

    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for recording

    Webinar Series on Routes to Immigration Status for Non-Citizen Crime Survivors: Intermediate U Visa: Bringing in Family Members Living Abroad and Preparing the Adjustment of Status Application (March 6, 2017)

    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for recording

    Webinar Series on Routes to Immigration Status for Non-Citizen Crime Survivors: "Intermediate/Advanced U Visas: Overcoming Difficult Inadmissibility Issues, Obtaining U Visa Extensions, and Including Family Members at Adjustment" (April 3, 2017)

    This project is supported by Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K049 awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Click here for recording.

    Representing U Visa Clients with Complex Issues: Part I (April 9, 2012)

    This first part of the webinar will cover how to deal with inadmissibility issues and how to prepare the I-192 waiver.

    Copyright@2012 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance. 

    Representing U Visa Clients with Complex Issues: Part II (May 14, 2012)

    This webinar will address how to deal with removal, deportation, final orders, and reinstatement issues in U visa cases.

    Copyright@2012 by ASISTA Immigration Assistance. All rights reserved. This product or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from ASISTA Immigration Assistance. 

    Advanced Issues on U Visa Consular Processing

    Information and strategies for how to address issues when presenting U visas for processing abroad. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation (February 20, 2013).

    Effectively Framing a U Visa Labor-Based Application

    Gail Pendleton of ASISTA and Eunice Cho of the National Employment Law Project discuss best practices in framing U cases arising in the workplace, including: framing the qualifying crime, obtaining helpful certifications, identifying and presenting substantial harm and inadmissibility waiver arguments; and organizing your application to achieve success. The presenters also discuss strategies for responding to requests for evidence and tackling emerging legal and policy issues arising in this dynamic area of practice. (June 17, 2013) Click here for recording.

    Training Law Enforcement Agencies on U Visa Certification *This is a webinar recording.
    This webinar recorded by the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) and co-sponsored by ASISTA features Co-Directors Gail Pendleton and Sonia Parras discussing best practices and creative ways to reach out to, train and work with law enforcement agencies on U visa certifications.
    U Visa Discoverability: What to Do? (February 2014) *This is a webinar recording.
    Sponsored by the Family Justice Center Alliance, presented by Susan Breall, Wanda Lucibello, Jonathan Moore, Mike Agnew, and Gail Pendleton. This webinar explores different strategies about how to respond to U visa requests (or other immigration files) in criminal court and may apply to other legal venues as well.

    ICE Enforcement - Secure Communities

    How to Get Your Client Out from Detention After an ICE enforcement Action. *This is a webinar recording. (December 19, 2012)
    How to Get Your Client Out from Detention After an ICE Enforcement Action (December 19, 2012)

    Participants will be introduced to the procedures to request bond to the immigration court as well as explore potential arguments to release immigrant survivors from detention. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.

    Insecure Communities: Strategies on How to Advocate for Immigrant Survivors at Risk Under ICE Enforcement Programs (2011)

    This project was supported by Grant No. 2009-TA-AX-K009 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

    Comunidades Inseguras: Estrategias para Responder a las Necesidades de Inmigrantes Sobrevivientes de Crimenes de Violencia a Riesgo de Deportación en Base a los Programas de ICE (2011)

    This project was supported by Grant No. 2009-TA-AX-K009 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

     

    Representing Survivors Seeking Asylum

    Webinar Series Training (Pre-Recorded): Helping those Released from Family Detention: Asylum Options for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence (2016)

    This webinar series is for attorneys, accredited representatives, domestic and sexual violence advocates, mental health service providers and social workers already familiar with VAWA andU visas to help women and children released from family detention centers. Specifically, it is designed to expand your knowledge and capacity to help survivors fleeing domestic and sexual violence in their home countries apply for asylum.

    Seeking Asylum: Pro Se Manual for DV Survivors (available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, 2013)

    The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) is pleased to announce the release  of our pro se manual for survivors of domestic violence seeking asylum, withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protection in the United States - available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. We developed this manual in response to a call from advocates, and in recognition of the countless women who are eligible for asylum but due to lack of information and/or lack of access to legal representation, do not receive the protections they deserved. Our release of all three versions of this pro se manual is particularly timely given the refugee crisis at our border, and the thousands of women and girls fleeing abuse in Central America. 

    Responding to Discovery

    Webinar Recording on Challenging Discovery 

    U Visa Discoverability: What To Do? This is a webinar training sponsored by the Family Justice Center Alliance, presented by Susan Breall, Wanda Lucibello, Jonathan Moore, Mike Agnew, and Gail Pendleton. This webinar explores different strategies about how to respond to U visa requests (or other immigration files) in criminal court and may apply to other legal venues as well.  

    Resources for Advocates

    Immigration Materials Packet

    This packet provides a wide range of information, including Sec. 1513. Protection for Certain Crime Victims Including Victims of Crimes Against Women, how to outreach strategically, and how immigrants experience the legal system.

    Representing Survivors of Crimes of Violence Before or After an Enforcement Action

    This outline has been developed to provide basic guidance on interviewing skills and questions needed to assess potential eligibility for U visa..

    (Unfair) Advantage: Damocles' Sword and the Coercive Use of Immigration Status in a Civil Society

    Coercive use of immigration status in civil proceedings and negotiations is fundamentally unethical and potentially illegal. This article by David P. Weber argues for a more proactive approach in maintaining the perception of fairness and justice in civil proceedings for all parties, regardless of immigration status. Additionally, for both legal and lay persons, status coercion may constitute the crime of extortion, and this article establishes how status coercion in most cases fills the required elements of extortion.

    Guidance to ICE Attorneys (November 17, 2011)
    This memo identifies those cases that reflect a high enforcement priority for the Department of Homeland Security. From the American Immigration Lawyers Association
    USCIS Memo on Case-by-Case Review of Incoming and Certain Pending Cases (November 17, 2011)

    OPLA has been directed to begin a review of incoming cases and cases pending in immigration court. Each OCC must immediately review three categories of cases: (I) cases in which the Notices to Appear have not been filed with EOIR; (2) all cases on the master docket; and (3) all non-detained cases with merits hearings scheduled up to seven months from the date of issuance of this memorandum.

    U Visa Advanced Packet

    This packet provides a wide range of information, including Sec. 1513. Protection for Certain Crime Victims Including Victims of Crimes Against Women, how to outreach strategically, and how immigrants experience the legal system.

    U Visa Fundamentals  Packet

    This packet provides a wide range of information, including Sec. 1513. Protection for Certain Crime Victims Including Victims of Crimes Against Women, how to outreach strategically, and how immigrants experience the legal system.

     Taller de Genero, Migracion y Empoderamiento de la Mujer (April 2016)

    Presentacion en el Consulado de Mexico en Omaha, Nebraska (Abril 2016)  

    Resources List

    This Resources List includes information and useful links for: A) Immigration Basics; B) Rights and Access to Services; C) U visas; D) VAWA; E) Trafficking; F) Safety Planning and G) General Practice Resources.