Victims of Crime Get a Break: DOJ Reverses Course on Legal Aid Restrictions

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has changed its mind about a rule that would have stopped immigrants who are crime victims from getting certain legal help. This change came after Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said the DOJ agreed not to enforce the rule on millions of dollars given to states for helping victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Last month, 21 states sued the DOJ, saying the rule was unconstitutional because it blocked legal services for immigrants without proper documents. The states argued that this rule was unfair and harmful to victims who needed help. Because of the lawsuit, the DOJ decided not to apply the rule to grants given under the Victims of Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act. This means the $92 million for the Victims of Crime Act and $4. 4 million for the Violence Against Women Act in Massachusetts can still be used to help all victims, including immigrants. When a crime happens, victims often need more than just justice in court. They might need help with school investigations, protection orders, or even breaking a lease. Immigrant victims, in particular, are often targeted because they are afraid to go to the police or seek legal help. The Victim Rights Law Center, which helps victims of sexual violence, reported that about 19% of their calls in Massachusetts came from immigrants. The center handles around 1, 200 legal issues a year and has two attorneys in Western Massachusetts. Their goal is to be available to all victims of sexual assault. When the DOJ first announced the rule, it put the law center in a tough spot. They had to figure out if the rule applied to the funds they already received. About 84% of the center's $3. 3 million budget comes from state and federal grants. However, their attorneys are ethically bound to continue helping cases they have already taken on. There was a big sigh of relief when the DOJ clarified that the rule would not apply. This change ensures that all victims, regardless of their immigration status, can get the legal help they need.