FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 16, 2018
In March 2018, the Tahirih Justice Center launched a change.org petition calling upon Attorney General Jeff Sessions to uphold asylum protection for survivors of severe domestic violence. Today, Tahirih delivered the petition to the Attorney General. At the time of delivery, this petition had received nearly 60,000 signatures from individuals expressing their support for survivors seeking safety in the United States.
Tahirih launched the petition in response to Sessions’ announcement that he will reconsider long-settled policy that allows domestic violence survivors to seek asylum in the United States. He has re-opened a court case called Matter of A-B-, in which a woman was granted asylum because she experienced extensive physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her domestic partner. His decision in this case could have a wide-ranging impact that could cost the lives of women fleeing abuse.
“Right now, the Attorney General is threatening to turn back the clock and strip asylum protection from survivors of domestic violence,” said Archi Pyati, Tahirih’s Chief of Policy and Programs.
“The overwhelming number of people supporting this petition sends a clear message about the importance of upholding this life-saving protection.”
Briefs in this case are due to the Attorney General from the U.S. government on Friday, April 20 and from advocates on Friday, April 27.
This petition is still open on change.org, and Tahirih urges the public to continue using this tool to show support for women fleeing severe domestic violence.
Archi Pyati, Chief of Policy, is available for comment on this topic. Please contact [email protected] to arrange an interview.
About the Tahirih Justice Center
The Tahirih Justice Center is the largest national direct service and policy advocacy organization focused on assisting immigrant women and girls fleeing violence. Tahirih will continue to monitor policy shifts that impact women and girls fleeing violence and advocate for the United States to honor its legal obligations to protect those fleeing human rights abuses.
