Archi Pyati: “Anyone, of any political ideology, should embrace these principles and work to achieve a truly just, equitable, and safe world”

Falls Church – Tahirih Justice Center is a leading advocate for immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, as well as survivors of forced and child marriage. Inspired by the principles of the Baha’i Faith, Tahirih is a secular organization and entirely nonpartisan. We care deeply about the commitments U.S. policymakers make toward ending gender-based violence and — most importantly — the results. During an election year, the most controversial issues always take center stage. But establishing a humane, trauma-informed immigration system should not be a matter of controversy.

“Everyone has the right to live with dignity and safety in thriving communities, with the ability to move on from the most challenging moments of their lives and embrace their full potential as members of the human family,“ said Archi Pyati, Chief Executive Officer of the Tahirih Justice Center. “At the Tahirih Justice Center, 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. The changes we seek at Tahirih transcend partisan politics; we truly believe that anyone, of any political ideology, should embrace these principles and work to achieve a truly just, equitable, and safe world.”

Access Tahirih’s Pathways to Progress: Five Principles for a Trauma-Informed and Survivor-Centered Immigration Framework here. In summary, Tahirih seeks policy proposals that:

• 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.
• Guarantee human dignity for all survivors by ensuring fair and equitable treatment under the law.
• Are rooted in welcoming policies that protect the rights of all human beings and embrace the valuable contributions of immigrants, fostering positive narratives and cultivating an environment of acceptance and understanding.

“These five principles are the lenses through which we view any and all immigration or related policies that impact the communities we are working to protect and empower,” added Pyati. “From ending child and forced marriage to ensuring survivors of gender-based violence can actually access immigration legal protections, including asylum and the protections enshrined in the Violence Against Women Act, Tahirih is working to build a world where all survivors — regardless of immigration status — can attain safety and justice. To achieve this goal, we believe these values must be reflected in all our systems, including housing, healthcare, and criminal justice — as well as immigration.”

To learn more about Tahirih’s interdisciplinary approach to securing dignity, justice, and transformation for survivors, visit our website: www.tahirih.org.