Press Releases

Reps. Gwen Moore and Jimmy Panetta Introduce Legislation to Protect Immigrant Survivors and Witnesses of Crimes

Milwaukee, WI – Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act, which would strengthen protections for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.  The legislation aims to reduce barriers that prevent survivors from seeking justice and ensure they are not penalized for coming forward.   

Immigrant women and children are particularly vulnerable to abuse, with the domestic violence rate among immigrant women at three times the national average.  U and T visas are essential tools that allow undocumented victims and witnesses of serious crimes to safely assist law enforcement without fear of deportation.  The U Visa program currently operates under an annual statutory cap of 10,000, but the demand for these critical visas has drastically outpaced the supply.

Despite federal protections such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U and T visas, survivors often hesitate to report crimes due to fear of deportation or immigration-related retaliation. Project 2025, which is largely seen as the policy blueprint for a second Trump Administration, calls for the dismantling of the U and T visa programs.  A recent policy change from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resulted in U and T visa applicants facing enforcement action.

The Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act would lift arbitrary caps on U visas, prevent the detention or deportation of eligible applicants before protections are granted, and establish a statutory timeline for issuing work authorization permits. These provisions would help ensure that survivors and witnesses can safely engage with the justice system and avoid further exploitation.

“The Trump administration has subjected T and U visa applicants to immigration enforcement across the country, including in Milwaukee. Yessenia Ruano, a trafficking victim, T-visa applicant, and upstanding Milwaukee resident, was forced to self-deport before her application was fully reviewed. My other constituent, Ramon Morales Reyes, a U-visa applicant, was framed by the person who robbed him and wanted him deported before he could testify in a criminal case.  He was detained before eventually receiving bond,” said Rep. Moore.  “By subjecting these vulnerable individuals to immigration enforcement, the Trump administration is helping create a two-tiered justice system that empowers criminal and discourages certain victims from coming forward.  Congress created these visas as a tool to make our communities safer and support the flow of critical information during criminal investigations.  This legislation creates stronger T and U visa protections, helping victims and law enforcement.”

“These days, with this Administration, many non-citizen victims and witnesses won’t come forward to report a crime, as they feel they will be deported rather than rewarded for participating in our criminal justice system,” said Rep. Panetta.  “My legislation would remove obstacles that prevent these undocumented individuals from cooperating with law enforcement without the risk of being detained or deported.  As a former prosecutor and now as a federal representative, I know that strengthening trust with our immigrant communities can be essential to holding criminals accountable and ensuring our overall public safety.”

The legislation is supported by numerous advocacy organizations working on behalf of immigrant rights, domestic violence prevention, and criminal justice reform.  Supporting organizations include; Tahirih Justice Center, VALOR, ASISTA, Esperanza United, API-GBV, Freedom Network USA, Advocates for Human Rights, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast), and End SIJS Backlog Coalition.