Settlement Blocks Trump-Era Rule That Threatened Aid for Immigrant Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Federal government agrees not to enforce immigration-based restrictions on VOCA and VAWA funding after New Jersey-led lawsuit; support services will remain accessible to all survivors.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced a binding legal agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that will preserve access to federally funded services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes, regardless of immigration status.

The agreement, finalized on November 24, 2025, resolves a lawsuit filed last month by New Jersey and 19 other states opposing a newly imposed DOJ condition that would have barred service providers from using Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds to assist undocumented survivors.

The lawsuit challenged what the coalition described as an unlawful “Legal Services Condition,” which DOJ had attempted to apply retroactively to both existing and future grants. Under the proposed condition, survivors would have been required to provide proof of immigration status before receiving legal and supportive services—including help navigating the criminal justice system, housing assistance, and protective order representation.

“The Trump Administration’s attempt to cut off support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence was cruel, reckless, and illegal – and now we’ve stopped it,” said Attorney General Platkin. “I am proud to have fought alongside our partners across the country against the threats made by the Trump Administration that targeted those who had already been victims of horrific crimes. The agreement we have reached with the Department of Justice ensures that we will continue to be able to support the recovery of these residents and allow them to rebuild their lives.”

Key Terms of the Settlement

Under the binding stipulation, DOJ has agreed not to enforce the contested restriction for any current VOCA or VAWA grant, effectively safeguarding access to services for vulnerable survivors. As a result, Attorney General Platkin and the coalition have voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit, while retaining the right to refile should DOJ seek to reinstate the restriction in the future.

For decades, VOCA and VAWA funding has supported a range of critical services in New Jersey and across the country, including:

• Legal representation in protective order, custody, and child support cases

• Crisis services through rape crisis centers

• Relocation and housing assistance for survivors fleeing abuse

• Support for victims navigating the justice system

These services are available to all survivors, regardless of immigration status, based on the principle that public safety depends on ensuring all victims can seek help without fear of deportation or denial.

Service providers previously warned that complying with the DOJ’s proposed condition would have been impractical and harmful, as they do not collect or verify immigration status, and such requirements could deter survivors from coming forward.

National Coalition

Joining New Jersey in securing the settlement were the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Attorney General Platkin described the outcome as a "critical victory for survivors", ensuring that “no victim will be denied help because of their immigration status.”

The agreement reaffirms the original intent of VOCA and VAWA to serve all victims of violent crime and abuse—without exception.