Save Women and Girls Fleeing Gender-Based Violence

Dear Attorney General Ashcroft:

I am signing this petition to urge you to ensure that women and girls who flee from trafficking, domestic violence, honor-killing and other gender-related abuses continue to have the opportunity to receive asylum in the United States.

I am very concerned to learn that you could issue a decision denying asylum to Rodi Alvarado, a Guatemalan woman who suffered horrific violence at the hands of her abusive husband and whose government failed to protect her.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has filed a brief supporting a grant of asylum in Ms. Alvarado's case, a position that is consistent with well-established U.S. law and with international human rights standards. I would like to urge you to take the same position as DHS.

Please ensure that Ms. Alvarado is granted asylum in the U.S. and that future regulations ensure that women and girls who flee from gender-based violence can receive safe haven in this country.