At the Tahirih Justice Center we believe everyone has the right to live with dignity and safety in thriving communities. As a secular organization founded on the principles of the Baha’i Faith, we are strictly nonpartisan and do not take positions on candidates or elections. The change we seek transcends partisan politics. We have a clear vision for the world we want to live in — one that we believe any policymaker in the United States, at any level of government, should share.
We are working to co-create a U.S. legal system that supports women, girls, and all survivors of gender-based violence. We review all public policy and legal proposals against a set of principles that are trauma-informed and survivor-centered. These are the principles and values that we must see reflected in immigration-related policies put forward by any candidate or U.S. administration.
A truly trauma-informed, survivor-centered immigration framework must:
- Prioritize inclusivity and reject deterrence-based policies in order to protect survivors’ safety and well-being.
- Recognize the profound impact of trauma on individuals fleeing violence and persecution.
- Ensure that survivors are supported in their healing journey and shielded from re-traumatization or further harm and violence.
- Be rooted in welcoming policies that embrace the contributions of immigrants, fostering positive narratives and cultivating an environment of acceptance and understanding.
- Guarantee human dignity for all survivors by ensuring fair and equitable treatment under the law.
To achieve Tahirih’s vision of a world where everyone lives in safety and dignity, these values must be reflected in all our systems, including housing, healthcare, and criminal justice.
