Enhancing Legal Protections for Immigrants Who Are Victims of Domestic Violence in the U.S.

This thesis focuses on immigrants who are victims of domestic violence in the United States. The original research is IRB approved and focuses on immigrants in Washington State. The method for data collection consists of literature review, internship, and interviews of key stakeholders in Washington State. Participants include a professor, police chief, immigration attorney, and Washington State house representative. The Federal policies and resources for this research include the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act (VTVPA), and U visa program. A qualitative, thematic analysis of the collected data was used to determine common themes between the literature, internship, and interviews. The findings in this research show there are individuals in Washington State law enforcement and certifying agencies that do not understand these policies well enough to provide protection. The research findings consist of three common themes; 1) fear of deportation and government, 2) lack of funding and training, and 3) need for improvement of Federal and State policies that will enhance legal protections for immigrants who are victims of domestic violence in the United States. Washington State House Representatives have been trying to pass a house bill that will enhance legal protections for immigrants who are victims of domestic violence in Washington State. The best solution for this vulnerable population is for the House and Senate to pass House Bill 1022 or a similar house bill, which will enhance legal protections for immigrants who live in Washington State