Rep. Panetta announces bill to protect undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes
UPDATE 1/25/2018 5:35 p.m.: California Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced Thursday his plan to introduce a new bill aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants who are victims or witnesses of violent crimes.
The Immigration Visa Protection Act would expand protections of the U-Visa and T-Visa programs. The bill prevents the deportation of undocumented individuals who cooperate with law enforcement, who are awaiting the processing of their visa. It would also eliminate the 10,000 cap on U-Visas. Finally it would require the Department of Homeland Security to issue work permits to visa applicants so they can have economic security.
“The legislation that Congressman Panetta is introducing is instrumental into changing the lives of these victims,” said immigration lawyer Magnolia Zarraga. “It’s going to give them the ability to remain in this country without fear of deportation, to work and to continue to support their families.”
The District Attorney’s Office estimates there are 450 certified applications in Monterey County. Those applications are among the 110,000 others pending in the Department of Homeland Security. The backlog extends at least three years.
It’s not easy to qualify for U-Visa status. Victims have to establish they are victims of a qualifying crime, such as domestic violence, assault, rape and trafficking and those crime has to be against the law. They also have to provide evidence of physical or mental abuse. Victims have to have information about the suspect and be willing to testify against them.
“I see this as a way of fulfilling our responsibilities as prosecutors to protect the public,” said Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo. “Victims come in all sizes and shapes and legal status, economic status and everything.”
According to Zarraga, the UVisa is four years long. After three years, that person could apply for their residency and citizenship.
We asked Panetta about how the proposed legislation could be affected with word that the Department of Justice sent letters to so-called sanctuary communities about undocumented residents.
“The Police Department has to investigate the cases,” Panetta said. “The prosecutors, the DA’s here in Monterey County, they have to prosecute the cases. It’s my job to give them the tools to do their jobs and that’s what we’re doing with this legislation. ICE, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, they have their role as well. It doesn’t necessarily mean we have to work with them.”
Salinas police, who do not ask people about their status, say if they meet a victim or a witness who they believe could be undocumented, will offer them information about the visa programs.
Local law enforcement agencies are also taking action on trafficking. Next week, the Monterey County District Attorney’s office is going to launch a campaign targeting human trafficking awareness. The Salinas Police Department is creating an inspections unit that would check in on businesses associated with trafficking.
ORIGINAL POST: Rep. Jimmy Panetta, along with Salinas Police Chief Adele Frese and Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo, is announcing a new bill he plans to introduce next week in Washington.
The bill would increase the number of “U” and “T” Visas designated for undocumented immigrant witnesses and victims of violent crimes and human trafficking who are cooperating with law enforcement and living in the United States.
The bill would increase the number of “U” and “T” Visas designated for undocumented immigrant witnesses and victims of violent crimes and human trafficking who are cooperating with law enforcement and living in the United States. The bill would prevent those undocumented individuals from being deported while awaiting the determination and processing of their visas, and allow them to be issued work authorization permits within a statutory timeline.
KION’s Mariana Hicks has the full story on News Channel 5,46 at 5 and 6 p.m.
