It may well require DHS to ask foreign governments to investigate and reveal the criminal histories of U.S. legal permanent residents and citizens who have lived in other countries and are now trying to sponsor a family member. This could include countries with long histories of politically motivated persecution or human rights abusessuch as Cuba. Sudan. or Iranand inquire about the criminal history of one of their citizens who has received asylum or refugee status here due to persecution they suffered in that country. Not only might this lead to inaccurate information from untrustworthy governments. but it also may lead to reprisals against the family members of refugees who fled persecution by the foreign government. Third. this amendment will also apply to some victims of domestic violence as well as the abusers. Victims sometimes have conviction records for minor domestic violence offenses because police who arrive at the scene of a dispute charge both parties with violent offenses. even though it may later become clear that one party is just a victim. not an abuser. Furthermore. battered immigrant women who are arrested often receive bad legal advice and are often likely to take a plea offer. even when they did nothing wrong. These victims should be exempted from the effects of this amendment. The safety of immigrant victims can be enhanced by expanding their support system to include close family members. We should not bar victims of domestic violence from sponsoring their children. siblings and other close relatives. If this amendment passes as it is. it will do just that.
Keywords matched
refugees immigrant refugee