Foley Secures U Visa Approval for Domestic Violence Survivor After Nearly Decade-Long Pro Bono Advocacy

Foley & Lardner LLP secured a life-changing pro bono victory with the approval of a U visa petition on behalf of a survivor of domestic violence, bringing to a close nearly a decade of advocacy and uncertainty for the firm’s client.

Foley’s client survived domestic abuse at the hands of her husband and demonstrated remarkable courage in working with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office to obtain an order of protection against him. She was referred to Foley through the firm’s partnership with Her Justice, a New York nonprofit committed to providing free legal services to women living in poverty, and in 2017, Foley prepared and filed her U visa application.

Due to lengthy nationwide delays in U visa adjudications, the matter remained pending for nine years. Throughout that time, Foley continued to support the client, including successfully renewing her employment authorization to ensure she could continue working lawfully in the United States while awaiting a decision.

The approval of the U visa now grants Foley’s client lawful status in the United States, continued employment authorization, and protection from removal. It also provides long-awaited stability and security and places her on a path to apply for lawful permanent residence and build a safer future.

Foley’s pro bono team was led by senior counsel Fatih Mercan.