She Left to Protect Her Children. Now She’s Building a Future on Her Own Terms.

With legal help, one mother found safety, permission to work legally, and a way forward for her family.

When María* came to the U.S. from Mexico with her husband and two kids, the domestic abuse she had suffered for years got worse. She and the children were often denied food, and she faced constant verbal and physical attacks.

After an especially violent night, a neighbor helped her call the police, file charges, and leave her partner. Starting over was hard, but she wasn't alone. Neighbors gave her odd jobs and helped her rent a safe apartment for her and her children.

She then met an attorney from Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), looked at her options, and decided to apply for a U visa as an immigrant survivor of crime. The legal team walked her through the certification steps and submitted her immigration application.

Once her case received a bona fide determination, María and her sons got work authorization. Now she can work legally, support her kids, and send money to her two daughters who are studying in Mexico.

Today, María is rebuilding her life. She has safety, independence, and the chance to plan her family's future.

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*Name and photo changed for privacy reasons