Protecting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Act

S 2711, the Protecting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Act, creates a new immigration status for spouses and children of immigrants who have suffered domestic violence. It allows victims (defined as "abused derivative aliens") to obtain nonimmigrant status for up to 3 years or the same period as their abuser’s original visa, with work authorization and a path to permanent residency if they meet admissibility and family unity criteria. The bill specifically protects victims whose relationship ended due to abuse, ensuring their status remains unaffected by the separation. This directly affects immigrant victims of domestic violence who are currently dependent on their abuser’s immigration status.