Empowering Attorneys to Advocate for Vulnerable Clients in Immigration Cases
This comprehensive course is designed for attorneys seeking to navigate the complex landscape of immigration law, with a specific focus on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Special Immigrant Categories. VAWA provides a lifeline for noncitizens who have suffered abuse at the hands of citizen or permanent resident relatives, offering them the opportunity to self-petition for immigration status. This course delves deep into the intricacies of VAWA, its applications, and the versatile I-360 form. It also explores the I-751 form, removal of conditions, pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, and the unique considerations for protecting vulnerable minors. Attorneys will gain valuable insights into identifying and proving abuse, addressing ineligibility factors, utilizing expert assessments, and gathering corroborating evidence. Additionally, the course covers the importance of cultural sensitivity, the impact of secondary trauma, and the role of psychosocial evaluations in strengthening immigration petitions.
Key topics discussed:
Understanding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) The Versatile I-360 Form: Key to Self-Petitioning Navigating Permanent Residency: The I-751 Form and Removal of Conditions Safeguarding Vulnerable Minors: Children's Eligibility and Protection under I-360 Establishing Abuse and Qualifications for VAWA Protection Addressing Ineligibility Factors and Waivers under VAWA Corroborating Evidence to Strengthen VAWA Petitions The Role of I-360 and I-751 Forms in VAWA Cases Professional Psychosocial Evaluations in Immigration Petitions Continued Therapy and Mental Health Support in VAWA Cases Crafting Compelling Declarations to Strengthen Cases Addressing Fraud and Ensuring Honesty in Immigration Cases
Federal Immigration Attorney
Vilerka Solange Bilbao is the owner and CEO of Bilbao Law, a firm focused on defending immigrants and human rights. Bilbao earned her Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law, with certificates in Civil Litigation and Legal Research, Writing and Drafting. She was a Dean’s Scholar, National Moot Court Champion, and received numerous awards for oral advocacy, brief writing, and pro bono work. Prior to law school, Vilerka obtained a Bachelor's in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. Vilerka has advocated for immigrant rights since she became licensed to practice before the Northern and Southern Florida Districts Courts in 2018, working with various non-profit organizations and providing pro bono representation to families that were separated at the border. She has been recognized for her continued pro bono service. Attorney Bilbao is a member of the Florida Bar, Jacksonville Bar Association, Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's Association, and actively participates with the American Immigration Lawyer's Association (AILA), she currently serves as Chair for the Health & Wellness Committee and the Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee for the Central Florida Chapter of AILA. She has a passion for advocating for human rights and a fair, accessible, and just legal system for all.
PODCAST HOST | LEARNFORMULA
Business Solutions Manager from October 2019 to present Area Manager - Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area from May 2019 to October 2019. Responsible for directing the efforts of an 8 person Business Consulting Team for the nine-county Rural Capital Area (the 9 counties that surround Austin (Travis). Deliver business services to more than 10,000 employers annually including access to grants, pandemic funding, training, recruitment and retention strategies and more. Work closely with other Workforce Boards, Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Established the Rural Capital Neurodiversity Project with VR partners. As a USAF veteran I closely support TVC intiatives and have two TVC Business Reps working with my team to serve our veterans and their families. Directing the efforts of the WSRCA Hiring Red, White and You Career Event both online and in Round Rock and San Marcos. After 10 years of growing Cross-Post LLC from zero to more than 250 clients we sold the company to Recruitology (Aftercollege Inc), Previously as CEO and co-founder of Cross-Post LLC, I was responsible for assisting 250+ newspaper clients like The Washington Post, The Seattle Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in offering recruitment products that grow revenue while helping their employer/advertisers fill distinct needs. These are unique upsell or add-on products that employers want and need. In all we had fifteen niche recruitment networks from Trucking to Healthcare, partnering with the leading job boards in the space. Recruitology continue's serving our former clients. Developed some of the first internet job boards in 1996 focusing on recruiting women, minorities and veterans. Sold that company to DiversityInc Magazine in 2001 and remained as their President of the Careers Division until 2003 growing it to more than 4,000 clients. Formerly, SVP of Strategic Recruitment for The Inclusiv Group, a retained executive search firm. 30 year history in recruiting and business development working for companies like Emerson Electric, The St. Paul Travelers and Borden.
