Support for Immigrants: Protecting Victims of Violence and Easing Status Acquisition
This act aims to remove barriers to immigration status for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes. It introduces changes to facilitate access to protection and benefits, and expedites the process of obtaining work authorization for these individuals. The goal is to ensure safety and life stability for the most vulnerable immigrants.
Key points
Expanding eligibility for U visas (for crime victims) to include civil violations and new types of crimes, such as hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse.
Eliminating the annual numerical limit for U visas, meaning more victims can obtain protection.
Expediting work authorization for U and T visa applicants and VAWA self-petitioners (victims of domestic violence).
Prohibiting the detention of violence victims with pending or approved immigration applications, unless they pose a danger.
Establishing protected areas (e.g., hospitals, schools, churches, domestic violence shelters) where immigration enforcement actions are restricted, except in exigent circumstances.
Facilitating access to basic public benefits (e.g., nutrition programs, healthcare, housing assistance) for lawfully present immigrants, including victims of violence.
Allowing domestic violence survivors to apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years of lawful permanent residency, regardless of marital status.
Removing visa caps for Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ), making it easier for them to obtain permanent residency.
Empowering immigration judges to grant waivers for certain grounds of inadmissibility for victims of violence.
Introduced
Citizen Poll