New York – In a decisive victory against bureaucratic overreach, Attorney General Letitia James has scored a significant win for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally agreed to rescind restrictive measures that threatened to sever vital legal services from immigrants seeking protection.
James led a coalition of 20 state attorneys general in a lawsuit against DOJ, arguing the new conditions were unlawful and discriminatory. These conditions aimed to block the use of Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds for legal aid to those unable to prove immediate immigration status.
The AG’s office stressed that the restrictions would have imposed insurmountable hurdles on survivors, many of whom lack documentation. The policy threatened to leave countless victims without critical support, potentially increasing their vulnerability and exposing them to further violence.
“Attacking survivors is despicable,” James declared. “I am relieved that the federal government has backed down from this dangerous policy. People seeking protection deserve our support, not sabotage.”
The VOCA and VAWA programs have long been instrumental in aiding survivors, offering services such as legal representation for protective orders, housing assistance, and civil legal aid to escape abuse. The programs were designed to assist all eligible survivors without regard to immigration status.
Following the lawsuit, DOJ agreed not to apply the restrictions to existing VOCA Victim Assistance or VAWA grant awards. This victory preserves a vital lifeline for over one million survivors and their families in New York who depend on these services.
RELATED: James Defeats DOJ Bid to Undermine NY Court Protections
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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