As long as IMBRA implementation and enforcement is lagging, vulnerable foreign women who meet American men through IMBs will remain dangerously unaware of lifesaving information about a future partner’s violent criminal history and about their legal rights.

Discussions are underway about how to strengthen the Violence Against Women Act to better protect survivors of violence, and Tahirih is a vital voice.

The Government Accountability Office released a report in August 2008 citing widespread gaps in federal agencies’ implementation and enforcement of IMBRA.

The congressional funding reflects a valuable commitment to immigrant women and girls fleeing violence and exhibits confidence in Tahirih as a distinguished advocate for the courageous women and girls.

Tahirih recently won an important legal victory in its fight for the protection of foreign women who meet American men through international marriage brokers, commonly known as “mail-order bride” agencies.