AIS Applauds House Passage of VAWA Reauthorization, Urges Addition of Immigrant Provisions in Senate Version 

This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 (VAWA 2021), with a bipartisan vote of 244-172. The Alliance for Immigrant Survivors (AIS) applauds the bill’s lead sponsors, Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and all those who voted for VAWA’s passage. 

VAWA 2021 reflects much of the input and many of the priorities of the movement to end domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other gender-based abuses. The bill takes a holistic approach, addressing the complex realities of survivors’ lives, and maintains established protections, while also addressing persistent gaps. Notably, VAWA 2021 provides additional funds for culturally specific programs; creates additional pathways to justice beyond criminal legal responses; improves economic protections; provides safe, affordable housing options; restores Tribal jurisdiction so Tribes can hold non-native perpetrators of sexual assault accountable; increases resources for prevention; closes dangerous legal loopholes related to firearms laws; maintains vital non-discrimination protections; and continues to invest in lifesaving programs.

Yet, H.R. 1620 doesn’t solve the problems facing tens of thousands of immigrant survivors who are in a worse position, facing additional threats, than they were four years ago. Over the last several years, an anti-immigrant climate, expanded immigration enforcement, as well as increased hurdles to access immigration protections for survivors, have only made it more difficult, if not impossible, for immigrant survivors to seek safety and justice. 

AIS will continue working closely with our partners and Congress to strengthen the final bill to increase vital provisions for immigrant survivors, as well as look for other opportunities to strengthen other legislative vehicles. We urge you to stay tuned and join us to take action along the way.

Harmful Public Charge Rule Permanently Blocked Nationwide

We’re thrilled with the news that, on March 9, the Biden Administration decided to stop defending lawsuits challenging the Trump-era public charge regulations. Right afterward, Federal courts dismissed the government’s appeals, meaning that the Trump Administration’s 2019 public charge rule is permanently blocked, nationwide.

Since it was first proposed, AIS and our Co-chairs have joined with hundreds of organizations as part of the Protect Immigration Families (PIF) campaign to challenge the rule. We all know that access to health care, housing, food assistance, and other supports play a pivotal role in helping survivors escape and overcome abuse. Without sufficient resources, survivors are either compelled back into an abusive relationship, or face destitution and homelessness. Even though some immigrant survivors were exempt from the public charge and the proposal faced numerous legal challenges, the proposal was part of a larger strategy by the previous administration to sow fear and confusion. As a result, many immigrants and their families, including survivors, avoided obtaining critical benefits such as food stamps and children’s health insurance.

Thanks to relentless organizing, policy and legal advocacy, and your support, the public charge is blocked from doing further harm. We will continue to work with our partners to undo harms and help communities navigate and understand what this development means for immigrant survivors. PIF has created an updated fact sheet and set of core and topline messaging for advocates and families. We applaud and celebrate with all of the litigators and plaintiffs, advocates, and community members who worked together to overturn this harmful rule!