THE
IMPACTS OF REMOVAL OR DEPARTURE: PURSUING U/T/VAWA RELIEF FROM ABROAD
Aug. 26-27 , 2026 (12-5pm ET)
REGISTER NOW
This two-day conference is intended for attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives who have experience or interest in working with immigrant survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking or other crimes, who are either initially applying for US immigration permissions from abroad or hoping to return from abroad after departure or removal.
Join ASISTA attorneys and a panel of national experts as we dive deep into issues affecting immigrant survivors who are or may soon be abroad. On Day 1, we start by examining the ways pursuing a U, T, or VAWA petition and visa from abroad or after departure might affect the elements a survivor has to prove. We’ll also present the first of two intensive discussions on consular processing for survivors by focusing on U nonimmigrants and T derivatives at all stages of their cases. On Day 2, we turn in detail to consular processing for VAWA self-petitioners and derivatives. We then close with a discussion on client counseling when departure seems likely, and methods for avoiding common roadbumps on the way back to the U.S. In a system intent on pressuring noncitizens to leave the country regardless of their contributions or needs to remain, this conference will give you what you need to help noncitizen survivors secure from abroad the humanitarian protections Congress intended.
Intermediate Training: Pending for 8 TX MCLE credits
Day ONE: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 (12-5pm ET)
Session One: (2 hrs.) 12-2 pm ET
What’s Different When the Survivor’s Abroad?
Acknowledging that survivors may be abroad for a variety of reasons, this opening session will review the ways survivor-based relief eligibility does and does not differ from outside the U.S. Among other things, we will highlight how departure from the U.S. may negatively impact certain elements of eligibility, inadmissibilities triggered by various departure types, and methods, like documentation, timing, and waivers, that can be used to overcome these potential disadvantages.
Speakers: Trisha Teofilo Olave, National Immigrant Justice Center ; Lia Ocasio, ASISTA.
Session Two: (2 hrs.) 3-5 pm ET
Consular Processing for U and T Petitioners and Their Families
In Session 2, we take the first of two deep dives into consular processing, this time for nonimmigrant U principal applicants and U and T derivatives. We will share everything you need to know, from the entities and steps involved, to timing considerations and age-out or marry-out provisions, to whether parole opportunities are realistic.
Speakers: Cristina Velez, ASISTA; Heather Ziemba, ASISTA.
Day TWO: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 (12-5pm ET)
Session Three: (2 hrs.) 12-2 pm ET
Consular Processing for VAWA Self Petitioners and Their Families
We start day two with the second deep dive into consular processing, all about VAWA self-petitioners and their derivatives seeking immigrant visas. We will review the regular steps and players you’ll need to know, age-out and age-in information, and how to proceed if the applicant was initially in the US when applying but has since gone abroad.
Speakers: Tracie Morgan, Hope Immigration; Kelly Byrne, ASISTA.
Session Four: (2 hrs.) 3-5 pm ET
Counseling on Departure Deliberations and Navigating the Aftermath
With all the pressures on immigrants in the U.S., some survivors may, at least in part, actually want to leave the country, while others vehemently may not. It is important to maintain your professional obligations and trauma-informed practices when counseling clients on any type of departure and how they might return. In this session, we will discuss how to hold these difficult conversations and keep in mind survivor-specific tools for preventing physical removal if that is what your client prefers. We will also acknowledge the many roadbumps that frustrate the process of return and suggest ways to anticipate, avoid, or overcome them for the smoothest possible path.
Speakers: Corrie Hansen, CLINIC ; Rebecca Eissenova , ASISTA.
Prices for full training (4 sessions = 8 CLE credit hrs.)
- $82.80 SPECIAL Rate Law Students
- $362.25 Legal Staff/Advocates/Non-Profit
- $467.75 ASISTA Member Private Attorney
- $621 Non-member
Note: Early bird pricing ends on Tuesday, August 19th, 2026. Prices for this training will increase $51.75 on Wednesday, August 20th. Registration will close the day before the training on Tuesday, Aug. 25th at the end of the day.
Please note that effective June 29, 2024, training fees include all credit card processing costs. There will be no separate charges when paying by credit card. If you choose to pay by check, you will receive a 3.5% discount (please contact manager@asistahelp.org to confirm the correct amount).
Note: Pending for 8 hrs. of Texas MCLE credits. Certificates of attendance will be available upon request and completion of the training.
Questions: Contact Maria at manager@asistahelp.org with any questions.