The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which helps undocumented immigrant women status in the United States apply for legal status, is apparently a smidge too helpful in empowering victimized women and not entirely xenophobic enough for the Department of Homeland Security’s liking. They also totally make fun of “VAWA” for sounding like Barbara Walters’ pronunciation of “vulva.” Immature, guys:

In yet another example of how pervasive anti-immigrant rhetoric has gotten over the past year, the Department of Homeland Security is currently reconsidering how VAWA applies to certain [brown] undocumented immigrants.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is pushing for a narrower reading of the act, which would have draconian consequences for some in one of the most vulnerable groups within the undocumented immigrant population: women abused by husbands who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

The anticipated policy change will affect undocumented women who entered the U.S. without permission but not specifically to flee abuse, preventing them from applying for permanent residency from within the U.S. Rather, they will be deported to their native country and will have to apply for residency from there.

Of course, women who come to the U.S. illegally in order to escape abusive [evil, brown] relationships, only to find themselves in yet another abusive relationship won’t have to be deported in order to file for legal status:

(Undocumented women who entered the U.S. illegally in order to escape abuse and those who overstayed visas and subsequently found themselves in abusive relationships will remain protected by VAWA and will continue to be able to adjust their status to permanent residency without leaving the country.) USCIS will issue its final decision via a memorandum, and a policy determination is expected soon.

See, ladies? The United States is willing to welcome you in with open arms, whispering promises for a better life in your ear, only to have you wake up one morning next to three or nine shattered bottles of Miller High Life and feelings of helplessness.

Justice Denied for Battered Immigrant Women [Prospect]