Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with a coalition of 20 state attorneys general, won a legal challenge against the U.S. Department of Justice, securing continued access to critical support services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The lawsuit opposed U.S. Department of Justice conditions that would have cut legal aid for survivors unable to immediately prove their immigration status, according to the Department of Attorney General.
Nessel emphasized, "Crime victims, regardless of their immigration status, deserve support, and I am relieved that our lawsuit forced the Trump Administration to stop its illegal attempt to cut off legal services for survivors." The resolution ensures federal funding under the Victims of Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act will remain available to all survivors, regardless of immigration status, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
The Violence Against Women Act and Victims of Crime Act programs provide resources such as legal help, safety planning, and support to survivors of abuse, regardless of immigration status. A recent U.S. Department of Justice rule would have required verification of immigration status for these programs. After opposition from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a group of attorneys general from states including California, New York, and Washington, the U.S. Department of Justice removed the requirement. The coalition has voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit but may refile if the U.S. Department of Justice reinstates the rule, as stated by the Department of Attorney General.
