Nicole Weitnauer

The Project

Anna provided legal representation for and outreach to immigrant victims of domestic violence and other crimes in the Atlanta area, and provided trainings for law enforcement agencies on the availability of immigration relief for victims.

In 2011, Georgia passed a law that gives state and local law enforcement officers the authority to enforce federal immigration law. This law endangers immigrant victims of crime, domestic violence, and trafficking by worsening their distrust and fear of local law enforcement. Criminals and traffickers often intimidate victims by threatening to report them to immigration officials if they seek help. Immigration relief is available for crime victims in the form of U and T visas and relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Law enforcement agencies and many immigrants in the Atlanta area would remain unaware of these protections without Nicole’s project.

Fellowship Highlights

During her Fellowship, Nicole:

• Represented 76 clients in their applications for U visas, work permits, permanent residency (green card), and relief under VAWA
• Represented eight clients in removal proceedings, successfully obtaining continuances for her clients while they wait for their visa applications to be adjudicated
• Collaborated with other nonprofit and government agencies to provide six trainings for law enforcement agencies on the immigration relief available to survivors of domestic violence and other crimes

Where are they now?

Nicole is an Associate at the Law Offices of Socheat Chea, where she practices immigration law.