Domestic Abuse Survivors Face Uncertain Future as Government Shutdown Drags On
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The government shutdown has shuttered many immigration courts. For some cases, especially those involving domestic abuse complaints, time is a particularly sensitive matter. The Violence Against Women Act, originally championed by former vice president Joe Biden in 1994, includes provisions protecting battered immigrant spouses of Americans from deportation if the marriage is dissolved or they separate from their spouse as a result of the abuse. Some victim advocates believe an environment of continuous court delays and uncertainty surrounding the funding of social programs could push victims back into abusive relationships. PBS39 News Tonight's Chloe Nouvelle visited Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, a shelter and advocacy group for victims of domestic violence, and spoke with an Allentown-based immigration attorney to learn more about these issues.