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Albuquerque VAWA Attorneys
VAWA Lawyers in New Mexico
Are you an undocumented immigrant woman who is in an abusive relationship? Do you know of a female friend or family member who is in a situation like this and she either does not know where to turn or is too afraid to ask for help? This is a very frightening and difficult time for everyone involved, especially if that person believes there abuser is monitoring their every move, whether that be physically or via the internet.
Currently, there are an estimated 19 million immigrant women and girls in the United States. Unfortunately, a large number of these immigrant women, particularly those who are undocumented are susceptible to oppression and exploitation. The potential for immigrant females to be exposed to exploitation is most typically seen when they come into the United States, are in the workforce, and sadly in their own homes. It is because of these reasons and others that the United States federal government put into law the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which entitles undocumented immigrant women with a number of different types of protection.
Here is some basic information about the three forms of protections:
- The “U” visa is for victims of certain crimes.
- The “T” visa is for victims of severe forms of trafficking.
- The “self-petitioning” under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Why do female undocumented immigrants need protection against exploitation?
One reason is they are far more likely to hold a job in an informal work environment such as domestic workers and caretakers. Also, they are typically unable to demand their rights or have protection under current laws. Immigrant women workers are typically more susceptible to rape, sexual abuse and harassment as well as other gender related exploitation in the workplace. In and even darker aspect some immigrant women are solely brought into the United States through human trafficking networks and are forced to work while under surveillance, being threatened with deportation, and/or bodily harm. These women truly are prisoners among their captures usually not speaking English.
Undocumented immigrant women have a higher potential of being confronted with domestic violence. This is even more amplified when their immigration status is dependent on their abusive spouse. A typical example would be an immigrant woman who is dependent on a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to petition for her through the family-based immigration system. Another typical example is when an immigrant woman's legal status is dependent on their spouse’s employment-based immigration status. This last example can leave women particularly vulnerable because they are financially dependent on a spouse. Not only that but in many cases they are susceptible to a spouse’s constant threats of deportation. Many abusive spouses who petition for their spouse or children typically postpone, cancel, or just plain don't file petitions for their family members. They may even threaten their family members by telling them they will be turned in to immigration authorities.
Lastly, many undocumented immigrant women are afraid to report any abuse or exploitation by their abusive spouse to any law enforcement agencies for fear that they will be deported and separated from their loved ones. The abuser is well aware of this fact and uses it to their advantage to silence their victims.
While many undocumented immigrant women fall into this scenario and they endure the abuse directly from their abusive spouse typically what is the turning point for them to seek help is when the abuser starts to abuse their children or other family members. If this sounds all too familiar to you or a loved one, you need to seek professional help.
Contact Us
Contact an Albuquerque VAWA immigration attorney at
Kretz & Romero, P.C. if you are an undocumented immigrant woman who is an abusive relationship and are in need of help.
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"A friend of ours was our referral to go with Kretz & Romero. It was a really nice experience when we went for the first time and signed our contract. From the very first moment we felt and had the feeling that they would definitely help us out with our case. They have been very compassionate, caring and tried 110% for our case. They have been very involved and have kept us up to date from the very beginning. They have always been honest and have prepared us for what to expect and the process. Their firm has been a good advocate for our family through our process. I would definitely recommend others to their firm for any immigration case!"
-P.N.
"After consulting a few different lawyers for our immigration case, and being scared away, we were referred to Kretz & Romero law firm. We had been left with little hope until we walked into Kretz & Romero. After our initial meeting with Caterina Kretz we walked away feeling like we had heard the truth, and despite our difficult situation, we were assured that Caterina and her firm would do the best they possibly could to help us to resolve our issue. With the frequent communication with Caterina’s staff (Imelda and Rosario) we were pleased with the updates given to us and everyone’s attention to our case. We were extremely satisfied with the attitude of the firm and how quickly our case was resolved. From our initial meeting with Caterina, until we had our appointment with Immigration, our case was fixed within six months! We highly recommend this law firm because of their dedication to each individual case, and their honesty to inform you of the various possibilities of your situation. Our lives have changed since Caterina and her firm agreed to help us and were able to get my husband his Residency Card. Thank you again, Caterina, Rosario, and Imelda for ALL of your help! We will forever appreciate you."
- J.T. & T.T.
"Caterina, I just wanted to send an email thanking you and your law firm for all the guidance and assistance with my immigration legalities over the last three plus years. When my wife and I came to you over three yeas ago, your firm assisted us with the proper path for the green the card process. After we finished the program and we got the card, we then went through the proper channels to get our green card extension. And then after three years of you assisting us through the proper steps for the United States Citizenship and especially the last 30 days, my wife is now a United States Citizen. Also, we had a neighbor that was in need of your assistance with the same immigration matters out of England and you were able to assist their needs as well. Our neighbors were quite grateful for the services and guidance you provided. You run a first rate law firm at " Kretz & Romero, P.C." and I will continue to work with you on my immigration legal matters and share the firms name to people needing your services. Thank You Again."
-P. B. & M.B.
"I have had an excellent experience with Caterina Kretz and her office staff. I have worked closely with Caterina since around 1999 and she has helped me bring many of my relatives and their families from overseas as well as assisting us with immigrations proceedings here in the United States. Her paralegal Imelda Sandoval has also been excellent in keeping me on top of what is necessary and assisting me in organizing documents that are needed. Caterina Kretz is very honest and upfront and explains in detail what is necessary and needed for cases to succeed. She has helped us win the most challenging immigration cases and I personally am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Cathy and her staff. I highly recommend Caterina Kretz and the law offices of Kretz and Romero to anyone that is in need of assistance or advice. On behalf of me and my family: Thank You Caterina and Thank You to all of your staff that has helped me and my family! You guys are the Best!"
-M.S.
"K&R handled our case professionally, efficiently, and successfully. We selected them because it was clear from the start that they had a complete understanding of the complexities of the law, and a clear vision as to what our approach should be. As our case progressed, we realized that they also had knowledge of, and relationships with, the key people who would be involved in our case. The combination of technical and human expertise made K&R a great choice for us."
-E.M.
"My husband and I highly recommend Kretz & Romero Law Firm to our friends and family for their immigration needs. They are very helpful and positive through out the whole immigration process. They are a very professional and experienced team and up to date on all immigration laws and forms as they change."
-L.R. & R.R.
"To Whom it May Concern: I have been a client of Ms. Mary Ann Romero since 2005. I have found her to be professional and responsive. On an occasion where I had experienced difficulty, she proved to be a fierce advocate for me. I have high regard for her office staff as well in that my calls are handled promptly. I recommend Ms. Romero highly for her diligence and high level of service."
-D.L., MD
"Upon entering into the process for permanent residency by my husband and my petitioner, we received invaluable support and guidance from the staff at Kretz & Romero Law Firm. The knowledge that was imparted by their team allowed my husband and I to clearly understand the procedures and protocol of such an endeavor. It is a complicated and long-versed process involving many forms and files. Kretz and Romero were able to ease the stress of the procedures by being there every step of the way! Thank you and kind regards."
-D.P. & D.G.
After being a client for over a year at Kretz & Romero, I am very happy from the great service I have received from them. They have treated me and my family with a lot of care and respect. I must say we were a little apprehensive contacting an immigration attorney at first but seeking out an experienced and qualified immigration attorney was one of the best and smartest thing I could have ever done in my case. They walked us through the process and put us on a path to get our situation resolved. I am a bit afraid to think of what might of happened if we did not hire Kretz & Romero to take on our case. One thing is for certain it would of been much more difficult and our outcome probably would not have been in the positive. The one greatest asset I feel Kretz & Romero have over some other attorneys I have went to see is all the support from their entire staff at Kretz & Romero, especially the attorneys is far superior. I am so glad they were referred to us and I would and will recommended them to other friends and family members with any immigration needs they may have.
-S.N.
After thirteen years of struggling with our case of adoption with another lawyer, we switched to Kretz and Romero and Caterina took our case. When we met her, right away we felt that she was honest and willing to help us. She mentioned she was going to do the best in her abilities to work on the case. They are very professional and dedicated. If there is a solution they will find it. We would recommend Kretz and Romero, they really changed our lives and we thank them for that.
-L.G. & S.G.
An Excerpt...
"I have been extremely impressed by the support that Kretz & Romero, P.C. have provided to the immigration Practicum class, a clinical immigration class that I have taught over the past year.... Ms. Romero and Ms. Kretz have served as mentors to many UNM [University of New Mexico] law students who aspire to join the field of immigration law. They have, therefore, my highest recommendation and support."
-J.L.
An Excerpt...
"I have been working at NMT [New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology] for over 3 years and my responsibilities and duties include teaching, research and professional service in the current institution. However, if it were not for the comprehensive legal knowledge of Kretz & Romero,P.C., I would not have been living in the United States for the past two years, and my career as an assistant professor, as well as my life in the United States, would have been ruined...
Although my case was complicated, it was handled effectively and knowledgeably, and I was thankful for the competence of the attorneys and staff members at Kretz & Romero, P.C. If I had left the country on my previous visa, I would have been required to wait two years until I could return, and all I had worked so hard for here would have been lost in the meantime. Not only did my lawyer save my career and my life in the United States, but my case was handled clearly and professionally throughout the entire process. It is the complexity of my case and my experience in working with the firm that compels me to extend my recommendation of them, as they have proven their excellence in knowledge of the law and in the quality of service and their staff."
-N.Y., PhD.
An Excerpt...
"I have personally and professionally known both Mary Ann Romero and Caterina Kretz for several years now. Kretz & Romero are on our agency's immigration attorney referral list for immigrants that approach Catholic Charities for immigration legal services we do not provide, such as employment-based visas and more complex immigration cases that our organization does not have the resources or expertise to handle. I often recommend the Kretz & Romero firm to immigrants seeking legal assistance with the complex immigration process. I have found the firm to be both competent and professional, and I heard this from clients who have worked with the firm in the past.
I have had the pleasure of co-presenting legal workshops to attorneys in New Mexico with both Ms. Kretz and Ms. Romero and they are often the first local immigration attorneys I call when I have an immigration legal question. I also know of Ms. Romero's previous recognition by the State Bar of New Mexico for her service to the legal community in New Mexico."
-M.E.
An Excerpt...
"Mary Ann Romero, partner in the firm, has provided countless hours of support for UNM [University of New Mexico] departments and the students that they serve. Mary Ann received her Juris Doctorate from UNM and was active with El Centro throughout her education and currently provides priceless information, support, and honesty for students and their families across the state. In 2008, Mary Ann presented for UNM Immigration Symposium on a panel discussing the truth and challenges around immigration. Additionally, she offers workshops and information sessions both here on campus and in her office free of charge or minimal cost for students and staff working to provide critical information.
I can not reiterate enough the important role Mary Ann and her firm currently provides for the UNM community. Mary Ann has demonstrated throughout the years how important it is to go the extra mile on behalf of students, families, UNM staffers, and the community. She is well respected in her field and is current in state and federal immigration law. Personally, I don't know what I would do without her support and knowledge base as we assist the largest growing population of immigrant students who have chosen UNM to be their university for success."
-V.C.
An Excerpt...
"Ms. Romero has a long history of supporting the immigrant community in New Mexico. When I worked at Catholic Charities, she volunteered numerous hours to train the agency on a range of immigration matters. In the fall 2009, the University of New Mexico, School of Law created a new course, "Immigration Law Practicum," that focused on removal defense of immigrants. I co-taught the course and worked to develop the curriculum. Once again, Ms. Romero was always available to answer questions and provide suggestions as to appropriate course content for the practice oriented course. Finally, Ms. Kretz is an equally accomplished immigration attorney who is a leader in New Mexico for immigrant causes. She has practiced immigration law in New Mexico for more then 13 years and is a valuable resource to many agencies in the state. She provides consultation services for Catholic Charities and numerous pro bono hours."
-C.M.
Hello, I felt compelled to send a letter in the mail and share my experience with Kretz & Romero for anyone looking for a good immigration law firm. I found Kretz & Romero strictly by the internet, when I did a Google search for an immigration attorney in the Roswell area. I was rather impressed by their dominance in the search engines and I was compelled to give them a call especially after reading their testimonial section of their website. I have only been a client of theirs since March of 2011 but have already seen great results after they processed my filing so rapidly. Another big plus for me was being able to be in contact with my attorney (Cathy) if a question came up, that was very important to me. I also really like that the entire staff and attorneys are fluent in Spanish and English. When we started this process I had no idea how hard and time consuming the process can be when dealing in matters of immigration. I have no doubt my husband would not have received his residency as quickly as he did were it not for Kretz & Romero. The things I love about Kretz & Romero are the availability of the entire staff, whether it be via email, phone or Skype. You can tell just by their website alone they go above and beyond most other immigration attorneys in the services they provide. Thank you.
-G.V.
I had heard that the attorneys at Kretz and Romero were great on numerous occasions. I was in need of getting my green card and after talking to family and friends they had also mentioned that they thought I should go see Kretz & Romero to help me to get my green card. Then I saw them on TV and decided to give them a call. After talking to one of the attorneys I felt very comfortable hiring them to help me get my green card. All the staff at Kretz and Romero are very nice and they always answer the phone and answered all my questions. I now have my green card so I'm able to work now. I think if I chose any other immigration attorney my process would have been slower and I wouldn't have my green card already. I received very good service and I'm very satisfied with how everything went and how quickly I was able to receive my green card. There is no doubt that I will recommend Kretz & Romero to other friends and family members who are in need of a good immigration law firm.
-J.M.
I have been a client of Kretz & Romero Law P.C. for about four months. My husband got picked up by ICE in September 2012. I didn't want him to get deported because he had been deported before. I think I called about every immigration attorney I could possibly call and they all told me that they could not help me. Several people told me to call Kretz & Romero. I called and made an appointment with Kretz & Romero and also had another appointment that afternoon with a different immigration attorney that was also referred to me. When I walked into Kretz & Romero it was so welcoming and all their staff were very nice and helpful. When my sister and I meet with Cathy Kretz we explained the whole situation my husband was in. She was very honest with us and explained everything to us. She told me what she could and couldn't do for my husband. She explained my options and also told me it wasn't going to be easy. She told me to think about it. My sister and I walked out of her office and we both knew right then that we wanted Cathy as our attorney to help us with my husbands case. I knew she would help us in every way she possibly could. When I walked out of her office I felt more at ease and felt like my husband at least had a chance to be able to stay here with his family. Cathy couldn't of been anymore helpful then she was. All my email were always answered. When Cathy wasn't in the office the staff would always help me with what I needed. Cathy was able to bring my husband home in 3 1/2 months. I would recommend Kretz & Romero to anyone they were so helpful to my family and now my family is back together because of Cathy.
-J.A.
I have been a client of Kretz and Romero for 4 months now. I started my case back in April of 2012. I was looking for someone to help my husband who had been deported back in May of 2011. I went to the archdiocese of Santa Fe/Catholic charities for help. They referred me to Kretz & Romero, P.C. with my husband's deportation case. I went on-line and did a Google search for Kretz and Romero and found their website and decided to give them a call after I looked over their website. I got an appointment with Mary Ann Romero. In our initial meeting I told her that other immigration attorneys said there was nothing that could be done and the case was just impossible. She explained my options to me and was very open and honest. She also told me it was not going to be easy but she thought we had a chance to win. I hired her to help my husband with his deportation case. In just four months she was able to bring back my husband to me when all the other attorneys said it could not be done. I will never choose another immigration law firm other than Kretz and Romero. Mary Ann is very knowledge of immigration law and combined with her patients with me through this whole process it was very reassuring to me. If it wasn't for Mary Ann's help I probably wouldn't have my husband here with me in the United States today. I have already referred her office to other friends and family members that are in need of immigration help.
-M.G.
I have been a client of Kretz and Romero P.C. for nearly a year now. I originally came to them for help with my immigration papers. Some concerns I had about going to an immigration attorney were if the attorneys would be knowledgeable in the field of immigration but more importantly if they were going to treat me as an individual and not just as another case to them. After meeting the attorneys and staff at Kretz Romero my concerns were put to rest. After being a client with them for almost a year I have learned so much about immigrants rights. I also love the fast response to e-mails and how the whole staff and attorneys are able to answer any and all questions that I have. I have received all the help I needed in my case and so much more. I really do not know where I would be right now without their help. I will recommend Kretz and Romero in a heartbeat to any family members or friends who need immigration help.
-D.R.
The reason I chose Kretz & Romero to handle my immigration matter was because Cathy had helped one of my family members back in 2003 and I really liked her from the very first time I meet her. I just got a good vibe from her that she really cared about me and our case. I had no hesitation going straight back to her to help me again with our Residency case. She answered all our questions about our case with very direct but simple answers that clarified all our questions and concerns about our case. This has been a huge learning curve for us on how the immigration process really works and everyone at her office is so very helpful. If we had not went with Kretz & Romero the amount of time and effort it would have taken us to accomplish our case would have been so much longer if not impossible for us to do. The one thing we really like about Kretz & Romero is the attention to detail you receive from them when they are handling your immigration case. We have and will continue to recommend them.
-B.S.
The reason we chose Kretz and Romero was because we were referred by an acquaintance. I wanted to help my husband with his legalization I didn't want to be afraid of him being out and getting deported. We are very pleased with the results Kretz and Romero helped us receive. Both of the attorneys were awesome, my husband will now be able to become a United States citizen in less than three years! Also we will be planning our long for wished honeymoon! We have been a client of Kretz and Romero almost half a year now. We had some concerns that no one would be able to help us with our case, but we know now there are attorneys out there able to help us Hispanics with our immigration concerns and issues. Since going through this process both my husband and I see things differently. He feels very welcomed and appreciated (all in a good way)! He is very happy and so am I. I know if I would not have went to Kretz Romero I would still be doubting and scared for my husband. I would also still be wishing we could take our honeymoon in Hawaii, LOL! I am very grateful for your team! Now both my husband and I can travel freely! We both liked the fact that Mary Ann explained all terms and everything else very well! Thanks! We felt at times the response back to a question or concern took a little longer than we thought it should but other than that all was great. We would absolutely recommend Kretz and Romero to our friends and family for any immigration needs they may have.
-L. L. & G. L.
We here at Kretz & Romero get many cards and small gifts of thanks but this is one of the tastiest testimonials we have gotten in a very long time. The sentiment is very appreciated and reminds us of why we do what we do and how very important it is to the people's lives we help and our community.
-A.R.
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