Unprotected: Migrant Women, VAWA, and a Deficit of Support Under Trump 2.0

Wavering immigration status is known to exacerbate vulnerability to violence, particularly for women. In the United States, laws like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) exist to support battered migrant women. However, accessing these protections often requires navigating a complex web of bureaucratic hurdles that may be difficult for someone new to the country's legal system. Non-governmental organizations, particularly those that promote the rights of immigrants, provide guidance and representation for this population. Under the current Trump administration, funding for many of these NGOs has been threatened, leaving them uncertain about their future and ability to continue serving those in need. This paper explores how recent Trump-era policies, especially the defunding of key NGOs and state departments, directly harm migrant women seeking protection under VAWA. It examines how reduced resource access intensifies formal and informal barriers to safety and legal aid. It also considers ongoing responses to these challenges and proposes policy recommendations to ensure continued support for migrant women despite shifting federal priorities.