Immigration and Domestic Violence

The odds increase if immigrant women depend on another individual to adjust their immigration status in this country. Undocumented immigrant women and children are also vulnerable to crimes, like forced prostitution or human trafficking, since they may be more reluctant to ask for help from law enforcement for fear of detention or deportation.

For more than five years, CLINIC hasbeen a leader in the Violence Against Women Project with funding from the Department of Justice. The Project helps organizations that aid immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking get acquainted with immigration law.

In 2010, the Project helped seasoned and less experienced providers in mostly rural areas get recognition and accreditation from the Board of Immigration Appeals, which allows non-attorneys do legal work. CLINIC offered training and mentoring to applying agencies, enabling them to better advocate for the survivors they serve.

The Project coordinates local communities’ and law enforcement’s response to these violent crimes. It gives providers the tools to evaluate scores of cases of victims seeking redress and protection. CLINIC stands with them against rogue or unauthorized law practitioners and helps them develop their own, culturally sensitive.