Thread: AR-New program aids illegal alien abuse victims

New program aids illegal alien abuse victims


BY MICHELLE BRADFORD

Posted on Monday, September 15, 2008



ROGERS — Veronica discovered her husband was having an affair shortly after she and her family came to Northwest Arkansas from Mexico in 1999.

She confronted him, he became aggressive and hit her while she was pregnant with the couple’s ninth child. The abuse continued until he kicked Veronica out of their home and she went to a women’s shelter for help.

“He knew I was scared because I didn’t have [residency ] papers,â€

Aurora Vicari, the shelter’s Hispanic advocate and assistant program director, said the agency helps victims get their GEDs, learn English and apply for public housing assistance. The shelter also helps the women improve their job skills, which Vicari said goes hand-in-hand with obtaining a UVisa.

Oh boy more public assistance. Let's see. Nine years, doesn't speak English, uneducated and getting a pass for breaking the laws. Another loophole that needs to be shut.

[quote]Though Veronica’s husband was deported to Mexico, she asked that her last name not be used.

Vicari said getting a UVisa can be expensive, with a $ 545 standard fee and other costs for fingerprints and to apply for benefits for children, Vicari said.

Miller said cost doesn’t usually prevent people from applying, but sometimes it delays the process.

“They borrow the money from friends or relatives or have someone send the money from Mexico,â€

[quote]She confronted him, he became aggressive and hit her while she was pregnant with the couple’s ninth child. The abuse continued until he kicked Veronica out of their home and she went to a women’s shelter for help.

“He knew I was scared because I didn’t have [residency ] papers,â€

A UVisa is not only for female victims of domestic abuse, but men and women who are victims of rape, sexual assault, robbery and other crimes.

To qualify, the victim must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, have credible and reliable information, and is likely to help the police investigation or with prosecution.

ANYONE CAN MAKE UP A STORY. THIS U-VISA IS A JOKE. Besides, its considered normal among some cultures to abuse and beat their women just out of their own frustrations. Its considered 'macho".

There are a lot of programs here in New Mexico that do the same for illegal alien abuse victims. American abuse victims should be the only ones helped. T

browneyes106 wrote:

There are a lot of programs here in New Mexico that do the same for illegal alien abuse victims. American abuse victims should be the only ones helped.

Gov. Richardson has made New Mexico a very illegal alien friendly state. How does New Mexico escape the same notoriety that California has gained where illegal immigration is concerned?