Legal Advocacy Program

Tasks like filing for protection orders, going to court, and finding an attorney can be extremely stressful for anyone. They are even more challenging for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault who speak little English and do not know much about the American legal system. Even dialing 911 for help can seem frightening for them, particularly if they fear deportation.

KAN-WIN’s Legal Advocacy Program is designed to empower immigrant survivors to exercise their rights and options. We provide direct crisis intervention and on-going legal advocacy services, including:

+ Informing survivors of their rights under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, the Violence Against Women Act, Illinois family law, immigration policies, and other relevant laws as well as the criminal and civil justice system.

+ Providing necessary support to overcome fear and emotional barriers to exercise their legal options and rights.

+ Providing support in obtaining emergency orders of protection and seeking relief for immigration and family law issues.

+ Helping survivors develop a safety plan for themselves and their children.

+ Accompanying and advocating for clients during legal proceedings.

+ Providing referrals to legal aid agencies and attorneys to ensure access to legal assistance for clients.

Yusun* was an international student in Chicago when she fell in love with a Korean-American man. After dating for a while, Yusun became pregnant and the man proposed to Yusun for marriage to which she gladly said yes. Yusun let her international visa status expire because she believed that once she got married, her fiancé who was a U.S. citizen would sponsor her. Despite the engagement, her fiancé kept delaying the date of marriage and became physically abusive. One night, she ended up in an emergency room, and her fiancé was arrested for domestic battery. The police recommended that she call KAN-WIN to get help.
KAN-WIN’s legal advocacy services assisted Yusun throughout the criminal proceeding and helped her find an attorney to seek immigration relief through U-Visa. U-Visa helps victims of severe crimes stay in the U.S. for up to 4 years with a work permit and gives them the ability to apply for legal permanent residence on the third year. Yusun successfully received U-Visa and began a new life in a safe and stable home environment. She also received help from KAN-WIN to apply for child support with the Illinois Child Support Enforcement Unit. Now, Yusun is a busy working mom with a license in cosmetology.
*Name changed to protect anonymity.