Tahirih submitted this statement to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for a hearing on “Strengthening and Reforming America’s Immigration Court System.”

Layli Miller-Muro founded Tahirih in 1997 following her involvement as a student attorney in a precedent-setting case that revolutionized asylum law in the United States. Learn more about our pioneering history in the protection of women and girls.

It is time for the U.S. government to reconsider its response to women and children fleeing violence, and put an end to the shameful practice of family detention — once and for all.

Drawing on the experiences of Tahirih clients and important findings from numerous studies by advocacy organizations and governmental agencies, this report by Tahirih exposes the continuing injustices facing women and girls seeking asylum in the United States and offers recommendations for system change.

A helpful diagram in understanding the tactics used by an abuser to establish and maintain control over his immigrant victim.