Rep. Cisneros Opposes GOP Bill Penalizing Domestic Violence Survivors

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. voted against Republicans’ H.R. 30, a disingenuous immigration bill that would put domestic violence survivors at risk of deportation. Current United States immigration law already addresses the offenses outlined in H.R. 30, and this poorly written bill would in fact target innocent survivors who acted in self-defense or were wrongly accused. In addition, this bill’s reach extends to green card holders, DACA recipients, and others with legal status.

“During my previous term in Congress and as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, I made it a priority to combat child abuse and sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence in our military,” said Rep. Cisneros. “I’ve also been outspoken about the need for Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Unfortunately, this Republican legislation is a misguided, political stunt that would endanger domestic violence survivors and put them at risk of deportation. While immigration reform is long overdue, it should not come at the expense of the most vulnerable.”

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran, the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and previously served in the 116th Congress. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Labor Caucus, New Democrat Coalition, the bipartisan For Country Caucus, and Reproductive Freedom Caucus. California’s 31st District encompasses parts of eastern Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley, including West Covina, El Monte, and Baldwin Park.

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