OVW Webinar & Training Materials

We wish to specially thanks the federal Office on Violence Against Women of the U.S. Department of Justice, which supports our work on behalf of their grantees.

    ASISTA's OVW YouTube Channel

    ASISTA OVW YouTube Channel (Playlist 2021 - 2023)

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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 U.S. Department of Justice.

    ASISTA OVW YouTube Channel (Playlist 2015 - 2020)

    In this ASISTA OVW YouTube Channel you can find all webinar recordings presented from 2015 to May 8, 2020.

    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.

    ASISTA Services to OVW Grantees & Sub-grantees

    NEW Resource: ASISTA Flyer: Services to OVW Grantees & Sub-grantees (Updated Nov. 2022)

    The updated ASISTA Flyer has direct links to the orientation session recording and other service for OVW LAV grantees/sub-grantees and STOP sub-grantees.

    ASISTA Flyer: Services to OVW Grantees & Sub-grantees

    Download the ASISTA Flyer to access direct links to the orientation session recording and other service for OVW LAV grantees/sub-grantees and STOP sub-grantees.

    ASISTA's OVW Orientation Call (April 12, 2022)

    ASISTA & OVW Products

    New Resource: Introduction to Survivor-Based Immigration Relief (Jan., 2023)

    ASISTA has prepared an introductory resource on survivor-based immigration relief for beginner practitioners and domestic violence and sexual assault advocates. The resource provides an overview of common immigration terms and the eligibility criteria for common forms of survivor-based relief, including U and T visas and related adjustment applications, VAWA Self-Petitions and VAWA adjustment, battered spouse waivers, VAWA cancellation of removal, and work permits for abused spouses of certain nonimmigrants.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    Practice Advisory: Representing Criminalized Survivors: Impact of Criminal Inadmissibility on Survivor-Bases Immigration Remedies (Jan. 18, 2023)

    ASISTA has prepared a practice advisory for immigration practitioners that provides an introduction to the impacts of criminal-legal system contacts on eligibility for survivor-based immigration relief. The advisory surveys common criminal grounds of inadmissibility, bars to good moral character, exceptions and waivers, and the impact of criminal grounds of inadmissibility on eligibility for U-visas, T-visas, Adjustment of Status, VAWA Self-Petitions, and VAWA cancellation of removal. This practice advisory also contains practice tips for immigration practitioners who represent criminalized survivors and citations to additional resources. 

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    ASISTA's Practice Alert: Abortion Rights for Immigrant Survivors: The Impact of Dobbs on Representation of Immigrant Survivors Seeking Reproductive Healthcare (Jan. 12, 2023)

    The landscape of abortion rights and restrictions is very complex and constantly shifting.  This resource aims to provide accurate information and resources that can guide you to make reason decisions with your clients the current state law, not fear. As the law changes, we will keep this advisory as current as possible. Please be sure to consult the resources linked for additional information on the most recent developments. 

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    ASISTA's Practice Alert: Rights of Noncitizens with Significant Mental Health Conditions in Removal Proceedings (Sept. 2022)

    Check out ASISTA's new practice alert on the rights of noncitizens with significant mental health concerns in removal proceedings. The alert contains practice tips for practitioners and a discussion of special considerations in survivor-based cases.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    Practice Advisory: Establishing Employment Authorization for T and U Nonimmigrants Without an EAD Card (Updated August 2022)

    This updated advisory on establishing employment authorization for T and U nonimmigrants without an EAD card addresses Social Security Administration ("SSA") issues for U and T nonimmigrants who do not have EAD cards.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    Practice Advisory: Establishing Employment Authorization for T and U Nonimmigrants Without an EAD Card (July 2022)

    This practice advisory contains information and strategies for establishing employment authorization for clients with T and U Nonimmigrant Status who do not have a work permit (EAD card). The advisory includes a discussion of the relevant regulations and USCIS's Handbook for Employers, as well as practice tips for practitioners.

    Click here to download the practice advisory in Word version.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    VAWA Practice Advisory: VAWA Self-Petition Policy Updates (June 2022)

    ASISTA, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center ("ILRC"), and Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. ("CLINIC") co-authored the VAWA Practice Advisory: VAWA Self-Petition Policy Updates.

    Click here to access the Executive Summary: VAWA Self-Petition Policy Updates (June 2022)

    Click here to download the practice advisory in Word version.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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.

    Legal Remedies for Crime Survivors & Hot Topics

    ASISTA OVW Webinar: Navigating Systems with Your Immigrant Survivor Clients (November 14, 2022)

    Navigating systems ostensibly designed to serve survivors can nonetheless be confusing, demoralizing, and exhausting. Immigrant survivors frequently have well-founded fear and distrust of many of these systems. This panel discussion, appropriate for all levels, will explore some of the reasons for that fear and distrust and will address best practices for attorneys and advocates navigating systems with their immigrant survivor clients.

    Click here for the recording in Spanish language.

    Click here for the recording in English language.

    ASISTA OVW Webinar: Representing U Visa Clients with Complex Issues (September 14, 2022)

    This advanced webinar will address some of the most challenging issues facing attorneys and advocates representing immigrant survivors on U visas. We will first discuss criminal grounds of inadmissibility. We will discuss the effect of the “controlled substance offense” and crime involving moral turpitude (“CIMT”) grounds of inadmissibility on U visa petitioners, as well as exceptions and waivers. We will then discuss the framework for the “controlled substance offense” ground of inadmissibility and how practitioners may be able to use controlled substance schedules to argue that this ground of inadmissibility should not apply. We will then transition to a discussion of mental health. We will discuss the rights of clients with significant mental health conditions in removal proceedings and how mental health conditions may mitigate or contextualize otherwise negative factors, including criminal history.

    Click here for the recording in Spanish language.

    Click here for the recording in English language.

    ASISTA OVW Webinar: Intermediate/Advanced U Visa Topics (July 28, 2022)

    This intermediate/advanced webinar will cover some of the most common topics facing attorneys and advocates working on U visas. Topics will include extending U status and the definition of “victim” for U visa purposes.

    Click here for the recording in English language.

    ASISTA OVW Webinar: Representing Immigrant Survivors During & Post-Covid: Considerations for Attorneys & Advocates (June 10, 2022)

    The effects of the global pandemic have fallen particularly hard on immigrant survivors. This panel webinar, appropriate for all levels, explores Covid-specific considerations for attorneys and advocates representing survivors, from surmounting Covid-related inability to obtain required documents, to consular processing hurdles, to the importance of a trauma-informed relationship between attorneys and advocates navigating the Covid landscape. Click here for the recording in English language. Click here for the recording in Spanish language.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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 U.S. Department of Justice. 

    ASISTA OVW Webinar: Bias, Equity, and the Impact of Anti-Blackness on Immigrant Survivors (April 25, 2022)

    This interactive webinar appropriate for all levels will explore the concepts of ethnicity, race, bias, and prejudice and their effects on shaping people’s lives. It will also explore the anti-blackness of US immigration systems and policy and their particular effects on survivors, including practical tips for attorneys and advocates representing survivors. Click here for the recording in English language. Click here for the recording in Spanish language.

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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 U.S. Department of Justice.

    ASISTA OVW Webinar: Hot Topics in U and VAWA Cases (Feb. 28, 2022)

    During this interactive webinar appropriate for all levels, ASISTA attorneys will demystify the most current trends in U visas and VAWA cases.  Specific topics will include:

    • DHS enforcement priorities, ICE’s victim-centered directive, and their impact on immigrant survivors
    • Removal proceedings for U visa and VAWA clients
    • Vangala “blank spaces” settlement and its impact on U-visa petitioners
    • USCIS’s implementation of the Medina Tovar court decision in U-visa cases
    • U-visa bona fide determination process
    • COVID-19 considerations in representing survivors in U visa and VAWA cases

    This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Click here for the recording in English language. Click here for the recording in Spanish language.

    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

    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.

    ICE Enforcement - Secure Communities

    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.