Michigan Immigrant Rights Center

New guidance from the Trump administration under the Violence Against Women Act is making it harder for immigrant domestic violence survivors to obtain legal status, according to advocates. A Michigan attorney's client, who experienced physical abuse and submitted evidence of a genuine marriage, had her application denied due to stricter requirements for proving 'good faith' cohabitation. Federal officials argue the changes aim to prevent fraud but critics say they create barriers for vulnerable survivors.

Changes to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) under the Trump administration have made it harder for immigrant domestic violence survivors to prove their marriages were in 'good faith,' leading to denied legal status applications despite evidence of abuse. Advocates argue the stricter requirements, including proof of cohabitation and narrowed definitions of abuse, create barriers for vulnerable victims.

Michigan immigrant advocates and community members celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of President Donald Trump’s attempt to overhaul birthright citizenship, calling it a major victory that upholds the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship for children born on U.S. soil. The 6-3 ruling affirms that citizenship is not subject to executive action, with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center highlighting its significance in protecting constitutional rights.

Changes to the U.S. immigration program for domestic violence survivors under the Trump administration have led to stricter requirements, resulting in denied legal status applications despite evidence of abuse. Advocates argue these policies, including narrowed definitions of abuse and proof of cohabitation, create barriers for vulnerable individuals.

The Trump administration's policy changes under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) have made it harder for immigrant domestic violence survivors to obtain legal status by requiring stricter proof of 'good faith' marriages. A Michigan attorney's client, an immigrant woman who endured physical and financial abuse, had her application denied despite submitting marriage documents and witness testimony.

Changes to the U.S. immigration program for domestic violence survivors under new Trump administration guidelines have led to stricter requirements for legal status applications, including proof of 'good faith' marriage and cohabitation. A Michigan attorney's client, an immigrant woman experiencing abuse, had her application denied despite providing evidence, as federal officials cited insufficient proof of marriage authenticity.