Victim Funds and Immigration: Sex Assault Survivors Left Behind

 Posted on August 29, 2025 in Immigration

Illinois is currently one of 20 states suing the administration for withholding grant money for crime victims. The new U.S. Department of Justice rules now tie funding to immigration enforcement. For example, in Illinois, $54 million goes to provide services for crime victims. The DOJ is now requiring states to assist the federal government with immigration enforcement to receive those funds. Not only does this deprive U.S. citizens who are survivors of sexual violence and sexual assault of desperately needed funds and services, but it also harms immigrants in two different ways.

It was already difficult in many areas for non-citizens suffering sexual violence and sexual assault to access these victim funds, and now it is virtually impossible. Furthermore, those same non-citizens may be blamed by others, as even U.S. citizens cannot access the funds and services now that they are tied to immigration. These victim compensation funds exist to help survivors of violent crimes rebuild their lives. The funds typically cover medical expenses, therapy and counseling, relocation costs, and lost wages.

This basic level of support can make the difference between healing and despair. Unfortunately, victim assistance is often tied to immigration status across the United States, leaving behind the survivors who need the help the most. If you are the victim of a sex crime or other violent crime and are also an immigrant, your best step is to speak to a knowledgeable Lombard, IL immigration lawyer who may be able to help you access the services you need.   

Immigration as a Barrier to Accessing Social Programs Like Victim Compensation Funds

The goal of victim compensation funds is to ease the financial burdens of survivors of sexual violence while encouraging those same survivors to come forward and seek help. Unfortunately, it has always been difficult for immigrants in the country to access these victim compensation funds, although it is definitely easier in some states than in others.

Often, the documentation requirements can create hurdles, as victims may be asked to provide ID, police reports, and residency verification. Most non-citizens never even report incidents of sexual violence or sexual assault because of their immigration status. This fear spills over into applying for funds earmarked for victims of violence, as non-citizens fear their immigration status will be exposed. Language barriers can also keep non-citizens from accessing these programs, as they may not even be aware they exist.

 As a result of all these factors, sexual assault and sexual violence often go unreported among non-citizens, which also means that the perpetrators go unpunished, and survivors lose access to compensation. It can be very confusing for undocumented immigrants, even when the funding is working as it should. Some states allow undocumented immigrants to apply for victim funds, while others do not.  

How Survivors Are Affected

Non-citizen survivors of sexual violence and sexual assault often skip getting medical care or counseling because they live in fear of being deported. Financial dependence often forces survivors – both citizens and non-citizens – to remain in abusive environments. This creates a cycle of silence where survivors never report the violence nor fully heal.

Policy reforms are desperately needed that guarantee access to survivor funds and services regardless of immigration status. Communities require community outreach programs regarding these rights and protections, and immigration attorneys and advocacy groups need to step up their efforts to guide immigrant survivors through the application process.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Immigration Lawyer

Victim compensation funds were meant to help all survivors of violence recover and were never meant to exclude non-citizens. When access to these services is tied to immigration status, the most vulnerable are left without much-needed support, as they are asked to choose between safety, healing, and the risk of deportation.

If you or a loved one is in need of immigration services or wants to apply for a visa, green card, or other change of status, a Naperville, IL family immigration attorney from Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help. Attorney Mevorah has been helping immigrants in Northern Illinois for more than 40 years. Call 630-932-9100 to schedule your free consultation.