The US Immigration System Fails to Protect Latin American Women from Domestic Violence
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Date
2021
Authors
Jeffery, Brittany
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Latin American women who seek asylum in the United States often leave their homes to escape domestic violence. According to the United States Department of Justice, domestic violence is defined as violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner whom the victim and perpetrator share a child. Because many Latin American countries lack sufficient resources to intervene effectively, the United States government becomes a key player in protecting Latin American women from domestic violence. As reported by the UN Refugee Agency, domestic violence can be a basis for refugee protection. The United States Immigration Courts are in a position to help Latin American women who suffer from domestic abuse; they can do so by granting asylum. This project examines the policies that could be implemented to support and protect women who seek asylum on the basis of domestic abuse. I argue that specialized courts in the US that specifically address violence against women would increase the number of Latin American women granted asylum, thus, decrease the number of women killed by their partners.
Description
1 page.
Keywords
Immigration, Latin America, Domestic Violence, Immigration Courts, Femicide