Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today announced that her amendment to the comprehensive immigration reform bill to help protect victims of elder abuse passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. Klobuchar’s amendment would classify “elder abuse” as a crime for which a victim could seek a visa through law enforcement to prevent being forced to remain silent about abuse.

“No one should be forced to remain silent about abuse because of their immigration status,” Klobuchar said. “This amendment will help protect victims of elder abuse and ensure that seniors can seek assistance from authorities.”

Klobuchar has been a leader in helping to protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation. She is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act, legislation that would crack down on elder abuse by court-appointed guardians by providing support to states to implement programs to increase oversight and accountability of guardians and conservators.  Earlier this year, Klobuchar’s outreach staff  held a “Senior Fraud Prevention Tour,” meeting with officials and organizations in communities across Minnesota to highlight efforts to protect seniors from fraud and financial scams.

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