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Don’t Wait: Support Immigrant Survivors in Starting Their Immigration Case Early

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Small boy and mother smiling with their heads close together

Advocates don’t need to wait to find out whether a survivor is worried about their immigration status. Share immigration safety options with every survivor who is eligible for your services, just like you would share where to get diapers, food, housing help, or legal advocacy.

Many immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking may qualify for visas or protections that can help them stay safely in the United States and obtain work authorization. Survivors often don’t know these options exist. Sharing this information early can open doors for them, and for their loved ones, too, as survivors often pass this knowledge along in their communities.

Why timing matters

Right now, timing is critical. The sooner an immigrant survivor gets connected, even if they land on a waitlist, the sooner they can access help. Being on the waitlist with Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) or another immigration attorney can make a difference if the survivor ever does encounter ICE. If a survivor can demonstrate that they are actively seeking lawful options, it could help strengthen their case.

Two important first steps 

Advocates can help survivors begin building a strong foundation for an immigration case. You don’t need to be an immigration expert to support these steps: 

  1. Connect the survivor with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project or another trusted immigration attorney/organization. Warm referrals matter. Try a three-way phone call or send an introductory email with the survivor’s permission. 
  2. Encourage the survivor to save any evidence that helps tell their story. This includes anything that helps describe/show any kind of harm and their relationship to the person causing harm: 
    • Photos
    • Letters
    • Text messages and screenshots
    • Voicemails
    • Medical or police records
    • Court documents or protection orders
    • Supportive letters that show that others knew or suspected abuse in the relationship and can speak positively about the survivors (i.e. good character)

    You don’t have to be an expert 

    You don’t need to determine whether someone qualifies — that’s for immigration attorneys. What advocates can do is make sure survivors know that these options exist and help them take early steps to get connected.  

    Advocates can play a powerful role just by sharing basic, accurate information about immigration options such as: 

    Additional resources 

    There are also programs in Washington State that support naturalization, refugee services, and other immigration needs. Many of these organizations are part of the Immigration Advocates Network and can be great partners in this work. 

    Resources for survivors 

    Resources for advocates