How Federal Immigration Policy Prevents Justice for Intimate Partner Violence

Darbha, Manasi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/133324 Copy

Description

Title

How Federal Immigration Policy Prevents Justice for Intimate Partner Violence

Author(s)

Darbha, Manasi

Issue Date

2026-04-15

Keyword(s)

• Domestic Violence
• Immigration
• Immigration Policy
• Violence Against Women Act
• Congressional Reform
• Intimate Partner Violence

Date of Ingest

2026-05-23T14:52:35-05:00

Abstract

Immigrants face Intimate Partner Violence at rates higher than the general population, and also face significant barriers to seeking help, such as fear of deportation. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is defined as abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship, and can include physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. In the United States, lifetime IPV victimization rates are 41% for women and 26% for men. 1 For immigrants, this problem is exaggerated, as lifetime IPV victimization rates can range from 13.9% to 93%.2 In addition, 76% of advocates reported that immigrant survivors have concerns about contacting the police to report domestic violence and sexual assault because of fears of immigration enforcement and potential deportation. 3 This paper will focus on how Federal Immigration Policy creates barriers for Immigrant Victims seeking help. Specifically, this paper will focus on the two existing avenues for non-resident immigrant IPV victims to obtain permanent residency, the U Nonimmigrant Visa for Victims of Criminal Activity and the Violence Against Women Act, and how the high barriers of evidence these pathways require can be a barrier to victims applying for residency through these pathways.4 This paper will analyze the evidentiary requirements needed contrasted with barriers victims face in gathering evidence. This paper will provide Policy Recommendations to be made by the Executive Branch so that these Immigration Pathways will require lower evidentiary barriers and be more supportive of Immigrant Victims. In addition, this paper will analyze the global effects that these Policy Recommendations will have, such as influencing immigration trends in the United States, and encouraging other governments globally towards policy change that is more supportive of IPV victims.

Type of Resource

Conference presentation

Genre of Resource

conference presentation slides

Language

eng

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