The NAE is very concerned about Title VIII of H.R. 4970, legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Instead of strengthening its protection of battered immigrant women and their children, the proposal before Congress would dramatically roll back important protections for them. Among the proposal's provisions, domestic violence abusers would be allowed to provide input as to whether their victims should qualify for immigration protection. NAE President Leith Anderson joined with many other faith leaders in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee callng attention to the issue.
May 7, 2012
The Honorable Lamar Smith
Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary
U.S. House of Representatives
2138 Rayburn
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable John Conyers
Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary
U.S. House of Representatives
B-351 Rayburn
Dear Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Conyers,
On behalf of the undersigned faith leaders and faith-based organizations concerned about victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other forms of violence, we write to express our concerns about Title VIII of H.R. 4970, legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which we understand the House Committee on the Judiciary plans to mark up tomorrow.
Faith communities are on the front lines, identifying victims, providing refuge, referring victims and their families for services, and offering hope and healing. In times of crisis, victims often turn to faith communities and leaders for support and moral guidance because they see places of worship as a sanctuary from the horrors they have experienced. Through our ministry with victims, we have learned that abusers often exploit a victim’s immigration status, leaving individuals extremely vulnerable and afraid to report the abuse to law enforcement, assist in the prosecution of crimes, and seek services.
Congress created VAWA in 1994, and it has voted twice since then to reauthorize the law, each time with broad bipartisan support. However, we are deeply troubled by Title VIII of H.R. 4970, as introduced. Title VIII contains many provisions that actually would roll back protections in current law for battered non-citizens, making them more vulnerable and, in some cases, endangering their lives. We urge you to strike these provisions from the bill before the measure is brought before the full House of Representatives for a vote.
VAWA is an effective tool in combatting the devastating crimes of domestic violence and providing lifesaving programs and services. We urge Congress to preserve and improve protections for vulnerable immigrant victims.
