White House Cites Domestic Violence in Push for Immigration Reform

Published November 6, 2013 8:53am ET



The White House is ramping up a new push for the president’s version of comprehensive immigration reform. In an opening salvo, White House advisor on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal wrote a blog entry titled, “Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Survivors Can’t Afford to Wait,” saying that “it’s up to Republicans in the House to decide whether to move forward with immigration reform.”  Ms. Rosenthal framed the argument in the context of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was last month:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month has ended, but our work to end abuse continues. Today, in this country, women and children continue to suffer from unspeakable violence because they are afraid to seek help without legal status. When immigrant survivors of abuse without legal status are, according to one study, half as likely to call the police to seek the help they need, we must act.

Rosenthal goes on to say the federal law (Violence Against Women Act) already contains provisions to help immigrant victims of abuse, more needs to be done.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.