Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) a woman or man, married to an abusive US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, can obtain lawful permanent residency in the USA (or green card) independently of the abusive spouse. This is an alternative to depending on an abusive US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to apply for permanent residency for their foreign spouse. Under certain circumstances, a foreign spouse can apply on his or her own and obtain permanent residency for himself or herself and any minor children. Under certain circumstances, children and parents of abusive US citizens may also qualify to file a VAWA petition.