Violence Against Women Act

Contact: Michelle Ortiz, Supervising Attorney, Lucha Project, 305-573-1106, x1690 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


NEWS RELEASE
February 28, 2013

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

VICTORY! Americans for Immigrant Justice Lauds the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPRA)

Americans for Immigrant Justice applauds the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the bipartisan Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The House vote continues the bipartisan tradition of VAWA, with 87 Republicans voting in favor of this crucial legislation that enhances protections for all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Significantly, this legislation also includes the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protect Act (TVPRA), which provides essential safeguards for survivors of human trafficking.

"This was a hard-won victory, and we are so pleased that Congress listened to our concerns and those of our clients. Our voices were heard and truly made a difference in preventing harmful provisions from needlessly targeting long-standing protections for immigrant survivors," said Michelle Ortiz, Supervising Attorney, AI Justice Lucha Project.

This bipartisan reauthorization is an important victory given that previous proposals threatened to roll back existing protections for immigrant survivors. AI Justice engaged in an almost year-long campaign with other national advocates to educate legislators and urge them to pass a VAWA that protects all survivors. AI Justice is grateful to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and the three South Florida U.S. Representatives -- Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mario Diaz-Balart and Joe Garcia -- for standing firm in their commitment to protecting immigrant survivors. We would like to especially thank Representative Ros-Lehtinen for her unwavering commitment and leadership in encouraging other Representatives to support this version of VAWA that expands protections for all victims.

AI Justice was established in 1996 and provides free legal services to immigrants of all nationalities, including immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. AI Justice's specialized Lucha Project addresses survivors' needs in a holistic manner and engages all immigrant communities in an effort to end violence against women. We have assisted thousands of immigrant survivors, and we understand firsthand why this important legislation is needed.

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) has been fighting for the American dream since its founding in 1996. One of the nation's largest non-profit immigration law firms, AI Justice represents vulnerable immigrants at no charge. This direct service work informs its broader policy work. AI Justice influences national policy; successfully litigates or otherwise challenges patterns of abuse; and educates the public about the impact immigration laws and directives have on our communities. AI Justice is dedicated to protecting and promoting the basic human rights of immigrants. Please visit www.aijustice.org for more information.

• Prev
• Next