DV Advocates Cheer Senate Passage of Immigration Reform Bill

June 27, 2013

The Senate bill enhances victim safety by increasing the number of visas available each year for immigrant victims who assist in the investigation or prosecution of designated crimes, including domestic violence (U visas), and broadens the eligibility for those visas to additional crime victims, including victims of child and elder abuse.

“Currently there are just too few of these special visas to allow immigrant victims of domestic violence to flee their perpetrators. This bill recognizes the great need for these lifesaving visas and will go a long way toward increasing safety and justice in our communities,” said Gandy.

The bill would also allow victims to maintain their own work authorization independent of an abusive spouse, would shorten the wait period for work authorization, and clarifies immigrant victims’ eligibility for housing assistance, all provisions that will increase victims’ ability to achieve long-term economic independence apart from the abuser.

“Once victims are free from abuse, their battle is only half over,” said Gandy. “They need to be able to find jobs and housing to that they can remain independent and safe with their children.”

“NNEDV’s member state domestic violence coalition leaders were in Washington, DC this month to discuss the needs of immigrant victims with their Congressional delegations,” said Gandy. “Today we celebrate this step and look forward to working with the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a similar bill that meets the needs of victims of violence.”