3/12/2026: VAWA and 1367 Policy Manual Updates

Description

Join ASISTA’s experts for a discussion of the recent USCIS policy manual updates affecting VAWA self-petitioners, and VAWA, U, and T petitioners who are covered by 8 USC § 1367 confidentiality protections. These policy manual updates were released on December 22, 2025 and made effective immediately. Speakers will discuss the changes in detail and their effect on immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence and trafficking. Topics covered will include changes to eligibility criteria for some VAWA Self-Petitions, such as USCIS’s interpretation of the joint residence requirement, good moral character, and the “any credible evidence” standard, as well as the agency’s narrowing of the prohibited source protections in 8 USC § 1367. In this interactive webinar, speakers will utilize hypotheticals and recommend some early best practices for navigating these policy manual changes.  

Speakers: 

• Cristina Velez, Legal & Policy Director, ASISTA
• Kelly Byrne, Staff Attorney, ASISTA

DISCLAIMER: Content is current as of date of recording. It is your responsibility to ensure content is up to date. Written materials accompany the webinar. Please note that you will not receive CLE credit for watching the recording.