Domestic Violence and Immigrants in Family Court

Immigrants, particularly women and children, are at greater risk for domestic violence not only because of their immigration status, but because of the way U.S. immigration law is structured. This article explores important aspects of the link between domestic violence and immigration law. First, it analyzes the way in which U.S. immigration law frameworks enable domestic violence and empower abusers. Second, it outlines the current relief options available in immigration law that use domestic violence as a factor. The article discusses the ways in which these issues may arise in family court proceedings and suggests approaches for addressing these issues to prevent the further victimization of vulnerable women and children.