[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15353]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 THE IMMIGRANT VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT OF 2005: PROTECTING 
               ALL BATTERED IMMIGRANT WOMEN AND CHILDREN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today I'm introducing the Immigrant 
Victims of Violence Protection Act because there is a perverse 
incentive in U.S. law for immigrant women to stay with their abusive 
spouses in order to preserve their immigration status. My legislation 
will help immigrant women who need to leave their abusive spouses by 
preventing their deportation and providing them access to work permits 
and legal and social services.
  Violence against women is a profound and extremely pervasive problem, 
striking across economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and across 
all age groups. If we are to stop violence against women, all victims 
need protection and assistance without regard to their immigration 
status. Escaping domestic violence can be especially difficult for 
immigrant women and their children. The threat of deportation, cultural 
and language barriers, lack of a work permit and limited access to 
legal and social services may make immigrant victims of domestic 
violence more dependent on their abusive spouses.
  That is why including the Immigrant Victims of Violence Protection 
Act as part of VAWA reauthorization is essential. My legislation would 
help immigrant victims in my district and across the country escape 
from violent and abusive households. Battered immigrant women deserve 
an escape from abuse that protects their rights and keeps them united 
with their children.
  Today this House has a chance to fight against violence against women 
and protect all immigrant victims of violence. I urge every Member in 
this House to join this fight.

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