Speech #1090073240

While the House passed authorization legislation in the 108th Congress. the Senate failed to act before adjoumment. I am particularly pleased that this bill contains provisions from my bill entitled "Save Our Children: Stop the Violent Predators Against Children DNA Act of 2005 " and the "Enhanced Protections for Trafficked Persons Act of 2005." Furthermore. I would like to highlight the fact that the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 that is part of the legislation we are considering today. contains important provisions that will enhance protections to immigrant victims of domestic violence. sexual assault and trafficking. I am happy that these provisions resulted from bipartisan efforts of members of this committee. They will significantly improve safety tor immigrant victims. I thank Congresswomen LOFGREN and SOLIS for their leadership. While VAWA 1994 and 2000 made significant progress in reducing violence against immigrant women. there are still many women and children whose lives are in danger today. Many VAWA eligible victims of domestic violence. sexual assault. child abuse or trafficking are still being deported. This bill will implement VAWAs original intent by stopping the deportation of immigrant victims ot domestic violence. sexual assault. and trafficking who qualify for VAWA immigration benefits. Very importantly the bill contains provisions designed to deter Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from arresting immigrant victims seeking help from domestic violence shelters. rape crisis centers and protection orders. It also removes obstacles in immigration law that cut victims off from VAWA cancellation of removal and adjustment of status including improved rules for VAWA motions to reopen. VAWA 2005 will extend immigration relief to all victims of family violence by preventing victims of incest and child abuse perpetrated by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent from being cut off from VAWAs immigration protections when they turn 21. by protecting noncitizen parents abused by their adult U.S. citizen sons or daughters. by protecting adopted and abused children. and by securing protection for children of immigrant victims of domestic violence. sexual assault. and trafficking. Very importantly this bill contains provisions that will guarantee economic security for immigrant victims and their children by granting employment authorization to adult victims who have filed valid immigration cases. Yet I am very opposed to the Managers amendment that eliminates the outreach to racial and ethnic women who are victims of domestic abuse. We must add that language back into the underlying bill and I will vigorously oppose the Managers amendment.