Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice to block new restrictions on federal funding that supports survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes.
This comes after the DOJ informed states that they could no longer use VOCA, VAWA, or Byrne JAG funds to provide legal services to undocumented immigrants.
The new “Legal Services Condition” applies not only to future funding but also to grants already awarded, and is scheduled to take effect on October 31.
Attorney General Ford, along with other Attorneys General, contend that the new policy is unconstitutional and is asking the court to stop the rule from taking effect in their states.
The grant programs have enabled states to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes, according to the office.
The office also says the grants fund the legal representation in family court, such as relocation and housing assistance, compensation for medical bills and funeral costs, along with other civil legal services.
The coalition warns that the new restrictions will destroy victim services programs.
The office says that service providers have to screen victims’ or witnesses’ immigration status, adding that they could be forced to deny protection to families in crisis, a policy that would silence survivors and destroy trust between communities and law enforcement.
The coalition also says many service providers do not have the capacity or resources necessary to oversee screening processes.
You can read the full contents of the lawsuit by clicking on the document below.
