Domestic violence is always wrong, no matter someone’s immigration status. Although domestic violence impacts every community, immigrant survivors face so many extra barriers to leaving their relationship and getting help because of barriers like language, culture, and immigration status. But, there is hope! Federal law offers several forms of immigration relief for immigrant survivors of crimes like domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Be sure to follow Mosaic’s social media throughout October to learn more about the different immigration relief options available to survivors.  

Examples of domestic violence tactics specific to immigration status:

Isolation: Abusers may prevent a survivor from learning English, communicating with their friends and family, or building a support system in their new community, especially with people of a shared cultural background. Survivors may also be physically isolated because of a lack of accessible transportation.

Threats: Threatening deportation is a common abuse tactic making survivors more fearful and reluctant to report their abuse to law enforcement.

Intimidation: Destroying legal documents such as passports, resident cards, health insurance, or driver’s licenses that a survivor needs.

Manipulation regarding citizenship or legal permanent residency: Abusers may withdraw or refuse to file immigration papers, or lie to the victim by claiming they will be ineligible for citizenship or residency by reporting the abuse.

Economic Abuse: An abuser may withhold the proper immigration paperwork a survivor needs to work and earn an income.