AIS Statement: New conditions on funding for crime victims endanger immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking

AIS applauds coalition of states protecting access to victim service funding

August 18, 2025 — Today, a coalition of over 20 Attorneys General sued the Trump administration in an effort to block the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from conditioning federal funding for crime victims on states’ cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. 

The following is a statement by Cecelia Friedman Levin, Advocacy Coordinator of the Alliance for Immigrant Survivors. 

“These new grant conditions on Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding would compound an existing climate of fear– one that  silences victims and emboldens abusers. According to our recent national survey, 76% of advocates serving immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking reported that their clients are hesitant to contact the police, while over 70% shared concerns about going to court. One participant reported that a survivor delayed going to the hospital after a violent assault where she suffered a broken nose and orbital bone. The survivor was afraid to seek medical attention and report abuse to the police because it could lead to immigration consequences.  As a result, she waited two days after the incident and went to the hospital only after her attorney assured her it was safe.

“Abusers and traffickers often use immigration status and the threat of deportation as a tool of power and control to silence survivors. There is deeply-held and justified fear of deportation that keeps immigrant survivors from coming forward to report crime and abuse. Requiring information sharing from VOCA grant recipients related to immigration enforcement will only intensify these fears and keep victims silent. Without the ability for victims to trust that victim services will be a safe option, crimes go unreported, witnesses remain silent, and perpetrators go unpunished. Adding conditions to VOCA funds undermines the very intent of the Act: to ensure that all victims of crime get the support they need. This will not only harm immigrant survivors, but weaken safety and trust across the greater community.”

“We are grateful for the over 20 Attorney Generals bringing this case forward so that ALL survivors feel safe reaching out for help, which makes our communities safer places to live.” We’re not going to let that happen.