Rep. Panetta reintroduces bill to eliminate limits on visas for victims, witnesses of crime

U. S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta has reintroduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act to eliminate the annual cap on U visas for victims of domestic abuse and other violent crimes. The bill aims to protect individuals with pending applications from detention and deportation, addressing a backlog that has grown under recent ICE policy changes. Panetta noted there were over 117,000 pending applications in 2018, with wait times now exceeding five years.

The legislation seeks to restore proactive protections for victims collaborating with law enforcement and establish clear timelines for securing work permits. Local leaders, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, voiced strong support, emphasizing the fear among residents regarding federal immigration enforcement. This effort reflects a growing concern about the impact of immigration policy on community safety and trust in law enforcement. Panetta's previous attempt to pass the bill in 2022 stalled in committee, making this reintroduction critical. The proposed changes could significantly alter the landscape for immigrant victims seeking justice.