Main News:
“According to Politico, when Donald Trump, the President of the United States, signed the Leyken Riley Act as the first bill of his second presidential term, many thought the tide had turned.”
The tragic story of the murder of Leyken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, in February 2024, shocked the American community and broke hearts. When it was revealed that the suspect in this crime was an illegal immigrant, public outrage escalated, and the stage was set for the swift passage of the Leyken Riley Act (LRA). As its supporters argue, the law aims to protect citizens, especially women, from violence. But the question remains: Can this law truly fulfill this promise, or will it itself become a source of fear and injustice?
by zahra Malakouti poor:
The Leyken Riley Act is designed to close the gaps in the immigration system and prevent illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes from evading justice. Its supporters argue that if these individuals are quickly detained, similar incidents can be prevented, and the families of victims can find some comfort. They believe that anyone living in the country without authorization and committing a crime endangers national security and should face firm consequences. This viewpoint reflects deep concerns about border security and the enforcement of immigration laws in America.
The key aspects of the Leyken Riley Act include:
The Immigration Services Agency must detain illegal immigrants accused of crimes such as theft or assaulting a police officer. This expands the authority of immigration officers to detain such individuals. States can also file complaints with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if they believe immigration laws are not being adequately enforced.
This provision seeks to hold federal agencies accountable for their inaction and give states greater authority to enforce immigration laws. On the other hand, the detention of illegal immigrants awaiting trial, even before their crimes are proven, is prioritized. This part of the law raises concerns about individuals’ rights and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The law aligns with Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies and aims to make illegal immigrants more accountable. In fact, it can be seen as part of a broader plan to make life harder for illegal immigrants and encourage them to return to their home countries.
However, violence against women in America is a complex issue with many contributing factors, and alarming statistics highlight this well.
According to FBI statistics, around 900,000 cases of sexual assault are reported annually. But this terrifying number represents only part of the reality, as many cases of sexual violence go unreported for various reasons. According to the National Organization for Women (NOW), approximately 4.8 million women experience domestic violence annually, including rape and physical violence, but less than 20% of these women seek medical services.
These statistics clearly show that many women who suffer from violence avoid reporting the abuse they endure due to fear, social stigma, and a lack of trust in the justice system. Nearly one in five American women has experienced rape, and every day, on average, three women are killed by their intimate partners. A report from the American Medical Association shows that one in four American women is beaten by their partner.
Additionally, statistics indicate that the number of women being murdered in the U.S. is rising. In 2019, about 3,000 women were murdered, compared to around 1,700 in 2014. In many cases, women are murdered by individuals they know, especially current or former intimate partners. This harsh reality reflects the deep-rooted misogyny behind these acts of violence. The U.S. is among the top 10 countries with the highest rates of sexual assault against women. Furthermore, easy access to firearms has contributed to the rise in deaths from domestic violence.
While the apparent goal of this law is to create more security for citizens, critics are concerned that an excessive focus on immigration could overlook the root causes of violence, such as economic inequality and gender discrimination. They argue that these issues have deep roots in American society and cannot be solved by focusing solely on immigration.
Moreover, the fear of deportation may prevent immigrant women from reporting crimes committed against them, as they fear that they or their families could be deported. This issue could place victims at even greater risk and prevent them from receiving the help they need.
Casey Svegman, the public policy director at the Tahiri Justice Center, believes that the movement to end violence against women should not be used for political purposes. She warns that exploiting this issue for political gains could undermine genuine efforts to support victims.
Women’s rights activists argue that the threat of deportation could be used as a tool for greater control, as abusers may exploit victims’ fears to silence them. In these circumstances, immigrant women face even greater risks.
According to a report from the Iranian Human Rights Committee, immigrant and refugee women are more vulnerable to violence due to language barriers, fear of deportation, lack of knowledge of their rights, and social isolation. Many of these women, due to financial dependence on their husbands or partners, refrain from reporting their abuse, and abusers may use the threat of deportation to prevent them from seeking help.
Indigenous women also experience high levels of sexual violence, and unfortunately, the exact number of indigenous women who have been victims of violence or gone missing remains unknown because the U.S. government has not collected sufficient data or adequately worked with survivors and families. Violence against women of color, indigenous women, migrant women, and women with disabilities is significantly prevalent and requires special attention. This means that immigrant women, for various reasons, including language barriers and fear of deportation, may not be able to easily defend their rights and seek assistance.
To create real security, a comprehensive solution must be found. All women, regardless of their immigration status, should have access to support services such as shelters, psychological counseling, and legal assistance. These services should be widely available and meet the needs of diverse communities. Additionally, greater attention must be paid to the economic and social roots of violence, such as economic inequality.
Creating equal opportunities for women and reducing economic inequalities can reduce their vulnerability to violence. At the same time, patriarchal culture must be changed. This change should be pursued through education, awareness-raising, and promoting egalitarian values.
Community participation can help identify and address the specific problems of each community. Local organizations and community leaders can play a vital role in identifying cases of violence and supporting victims. Building positive relationships between the police and various communities encourages individuals to report incidents. These relationships must be based on trust and mutual respect.
Ultimately, we must ask:
Is this law truly focused on the needs of victims, or is it just a political tool? The potential consequences of this law must be carefully considered, and efforts should be made to create fairer and more effective laws.
The Leyken Riley Act, with all its goals and intentions, needs thorough examination and ongoing evaluation to ensure that it contributes to security and justice for all, rather than creating fear and division. The passage of laws that genuinely protect women from violence requires a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach that addresses the roots of the problem and avoids turning it into a political tool.
en.jahanbanou