To tackle the unprecedented backlog of applications for humanitarian relief, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center which will be comprised of a dedicated team of specially trained staff responsible for adjudicating VAWA self-petitions (I-360), issuing U visa bona fide determinations (I-918), and reunification of refugees and asylees with their family members (I-730).  

Tahirih’s client, Brenda Rincon, shared her story with Univision Atlanta reporter, Ana Herrera. Brenda says sharing her survival story helps her heal.

You can see the full interview in Spanish here.

Los Angeles Times immigration reporter, Andrea Castillo, spoke with Daniella Prieshoff, supervising attorney at the Tahirih Justice Center, about how visa backlogs are impacting her clients that have been waiting for an answer for several years. 

Last night, the Senate reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a vote that was six years in the making. The Tahirih Justice Center applauds Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for their legislative leadership in the fight to get VAWA over the finish line. The new authorization provides more than $500 million to increase resources for survivors of violence.

Tahirih SF Bay Area Executive Director Morgan Weibel was interviewed about the impact of anti-immigrant rhetoric on immigrant survivors of violence.

Like many criminals, Eva’s boss thought he would get away his abuse of Eva because she was an undocumented immigrant. He threatened to have Eva deported if she went to the police, and Eva kept quiet out of fear.

Our 2014 Courageous Voice Honoree, Mercy Cooper, broke free of an abusive relationship, and today, helps train police officers to recognize and respond to domestic violence. The former Tahirih client will be honored at our 17th Annual Greater DC Gala.