Evaluating the Effectiveness of the U-Visa & VAWA Protections for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence

Abstract

This capstone explores the disconnect between the legal protections available to immigrant survivors of domestic violence and their lived experiences in Washington State. Despite the existence of frameworks such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U-visa program, and several state statutes, immigrant survivors, particularly those who are undocumented, face a myriad of barriers that hinder their access to justice and safety. This research draws on qualitative interviews with fifteen immigrant survivors and three domestic violence advocates, as well as an in-depth analysis of Washington State’s legal and institutional landscape. The findings reveal that while these protections exist on paper, their practical application is inconsistent, and many survivors remain unaware of their rights or fear engaging with the legal system due to the threat of deportation, misinformation, and systemic gatekeeping. The study underscores the need for comprehensive reforms, including mandatory language access, survivor-centered practices, consistent enforcement of laws, and robust public education campaigns. This capstone concludes by providing policy recommendations aimed at bridging the gap between legal intent and the lived reality of immigrant survivors, emphasizing the importance of creating a more equitable, accessible, and transparent justice system for all survivors.