Feminist Peace Network

October 16th, 2007

Urgent Action Alert–Vitter Amendment Endangers Immigrant Victims of DV

Cross-posted with permission from the Immigrant Justice Blog–this is for today folks, please make those calls:

Vitter Amendment Bullies State and Local Governments, Puts Immigrant Women at Risk

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Vote expected today: Senator Vitter has offered a harmful amendment to the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill that would undercut community policing and endanger public safety, particularly the safety of immigrants who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.

What does this amendment do?

Sen. Vitter’s amendment #3277 (read it here) attempts to deny Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) funding to cities and states that pledge not to ask about the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses.

Why is this amendment dangerous?

This amendment is dangerous because it tries to force state and local governments to reverse their local community policing policies, alienating community residents so that they are afraid to report crimes. Congress should listen to cities and states when it comes to crafting state and local policy, not coerce them into adopting new immigration enforcement duties at the expense of fighting crime. Scores of cities and states have community policing policies that encourage all residents to work with the police and report crimes. Without these policies in place, immigrant victims and witnesses to crime will be afraid to come forward and report crimes, for fear that their immigration status could come under scrutiny and they could be deported. These policies help police get the information they need to fight crime and protect our communities.

Why immigrant women may suffer the most:

Both Legal Momentum, an advocacy organization for women and girls, and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) sent letters to senators this morning warning that battered immigrants would be hurt by the proposed legislation.

“Victims of domestic violence need to trust the police to seek assistance, but fear of being reported to immigration officials is one of the most significant factors preventing immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking from seeking help,” writes Lisalyn Jacobs, Legal Momentum vice president of government relations.

NAESV President Monika Johnson Hostler points out that sexual assault is already one of the most under-reported crimes. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, she says, only 36% of rape and sexual assault victims report the crime to the police. “As a result, NAESV absolutely opposes this measure which will create additional barriers to victims coming forward,” she writes.

What can you do?

Contact your senators and explain that the Vitter amendment #3277 will harm our cities by decreasing support for law enforcement and public safety. The Senate switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.