The fiscal year 2018 omnibus spending bill was passed by Congress on March 23, 2018. ICADV celebrates the inclusion of much-needed resources for survivors, yet remains concerned about the impact the bill may have on immigrant survivors of violence.
New and increased investments that will help survivors escape violence and rebuild their lives include:
Investments in Services for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence:
- Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA): $160 million
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): $492 million, including new resources for transitional housing and rural programs
- Victims of Crime Act (VOCA): $4.4 billion (supports victims of all crimes)
Gun Safety Improvements: The Fix NICS provisions will strength the national firearm background check system to ensure that domestic abusers do not have access to firearms.
Significant Commitment to Tribal Victim Services: The omnibus establishes the first-ever funding stream (approximately $130 million) from VOCA for Tribes to address services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as other crimes.
Domestic Violence-specific Housing Services: A newly created $50 million set-aside in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homelessness services provides specific funding for housing for victims of domestic violence.
While the omnibus has provided historical levels of support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, it has also increased funding for immigration enforcement activities, further jeopardizing undocumented immigrant victims of domestic violence and making it harder for them to seek services. ICADV joins with the National Network to End Domestic Violence and sister coalitions across the country to urge Congress to address the needs of immigrant victims in the FY 19 funding bill by increasing resources and staff for the Service Centers that process U visa applications. We continue to partner with immigration advocates, calling on Congress to pass meaningful legislation that creates a pathway to citizenship for the Dreamers who have lost DACA status.
*Thank you to the National Network to End Domestic Violence for the information compiled in this statement.
