Finally the much awaited re-authorization of VAWA passed and going to the President for signature.

VAWA – Violence Against Women Act, one of the most powerful laws protecting individuals (women, men & children) from domestic violence including thousands of immigrants, has finally passed the house.  Our law firm has long fought for its re-authorization and this victory is a great victory for Americans but also for immigrants who are victims of violence.

According to the New York Times:

 “…The legislation passed on a vote of 286 to 138, with 199 Democrats joining 87 Republicans in support of the reauthorization of the landmark 1994 law, which assists victims of domestic and sexual violence. It amounted to a significant victory for the president and Congressional Democrats, who have assailed Republicans for months for stalling the legislation.

The successful measure passed the Senate last month with 78 votes — including those of every woman, all Democrats and just over half of Republicans.

The alternative unveiled by the House last Friday immediately came under sharp criticism from Democrats and women’s and human rights groups for failing to include protections in the Senate bill for gay, bisexual or transgender victims of domestic abuse. The House bill eliminated “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” from a list of “populations” that face barriers to receiving victim services — and also stripped certain provisions regarding American Indian women on reservations…“

We are very glad that this version of VAWA has actually be re-authorized and we hope that there will no more fights regarding this issue.