The bill also provides training for law enforcement officials. including judges. to deal more effectively and compassionately with domestic violence cases. Each of these measures is long overdue. and I am pleased and proud that we have the opportunity to enact them here today. I am also pleased that the Violence Against Women Act includes a provision entitled "Safe Homes for Immigrant Women." For too long. immigrant women have been forced to remain in destructive marriages with husbands who beat and abuse them--because they are entirely dependent on that abusive spouse for their legal status. This legislation will give abused immigrant wives the right to selfpetition for legal status. In addition. it will also cover immigrant women whose children are being abused by the father. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this landmark legislation. and I urge my colleagues to lend their strong support to ending violence against women in this country.
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