The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to propose regulations that discard longstanding policy about the meaning and application of the “public charge” provisions of immigration law. Proposed policies will have a significant detrimental impact on survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by deterring immigrant families, including those with U.S.-citizen children, from seeking help when they need it. Safety net benefits can help victims recover and escape from abuse and play a significant role in preventing future harm.
Related Resources
Domestic Violence Awareness Must Be Inclusive of Immigrant Survivors, 2017
We must strengthen our resolve to make sure that our community response to domestic violence is truly relevant to all survivors.
Immigration Law Basics for Domestic Violence Victim Advocates, 2017
This factsheet provides basic information on U.S. immigration law and various immigration remedies available to victims of domestic violence and/or certain other crimes.
FAQs: Immigration Enforcement and Victim Services Programs, 2017
These FAQs address common questions about responding to immigration enforcement activities at victim services programs.
Advisory: Are Victim Services Programs Liable for Criminal “Harboring” When they Work with Immigrant Survivors of Crime? 2017
This Advisory answers common questions about providing shelter and other program services to undocumented victims, describes the law and federal policy, and proposes best practices for programs
The Effects of Increased Entanglement on Immigrant Survivors
Why increased entanglement between immigration and state/local law enforcement would undermine protections for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Advocate and Legal Service Survey Regarding Immigrant Survivors, 2017
This infographic shows the results of a 2017 survey on how recent developments in immigration policy and enforcement affect immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Immigration 101: A Webinar for Domestic Violence Victim Advocates
A basic overview of immigration system, removal (deportation) proceedings and detention, protections for domestic violence survivors, and recent updates under the new administration.
Protecting Assets and Child Custody in the Face of Deportation, 2017
This manual from Appleseed Network is designed for immigrants and those who work with them; the host of attorneys, nurses, social workers, religious workers who are stepping up in challenging times. Appleseed’s manual will help families develop plans in advance to deal with critical financial and family issues in the event of deportation, arrest and other family emergencies.
By Grace Huang, J.D.
March 2018